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Special Recognition proclaiming May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, May was designated Jewish American Heritage Month by the United States Senate in 2006; and
WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have paved the way in the sciences, the law, the arts, and politics. The first Jewish member of the House of Representatives, Lewis Levin, and the first Jewish Senator, David Levy Yulee, were both elected in 1845; and
WHEREAS, Jewish Americans’ contributions, culture, values, and resilience have influenced and shaped our character as a country; and
WHEREAS, in the mid-20th century, Jewish Americans were among the most active participants in the Civil Rights and feminist movements; and
WHEREAS, the United States has the second largest Jewish community in the world, with approximately 7.6 million Jewish Americans, and Chicago has the 3rd largest metropolitan area population. The National Council of Jewish Women was founded in Chicago in 1893; and
WHEREAS, we celebrate and honor the Jewish American contributions that have strengthen our nation and the Lake County community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, that this County Board of Lake County, Illinois recognizes May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month and encourages residents to celebrate the inspiring history of Jewish people and the valuable contributions of Jewish Americans to Lake County and American history.
DATED, at Waukegan, Illinois, on May 14, 2024.