Orange County NC Website
VRb 'o'� b �lb 0oq3i s <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH <br /> PROCLAMATION <br /> WHEREAS , Jewish American Heritage Month is celebrated annually in May to honor the generations of Jewish <br /> Americans who have contributed to the history and culture of our nation , from its very origin 250 years ago ; and <br /> WHEREAS , Jewish Americans have made significant contributions to North Carolina 's economic development <br /> entrepreneurship , business leadership and innovation , playing a key role in building a thriving local economy ; and <br /> WHEREAS , the Jewish community has played a lead role in North Carolina ' s arts and culture , supporting <br /> institutions , artists and events that celebrate creativity and foster cross-cultural appreciation ; and <br /> WHEREAS , Jewish Americans have shaped both K- 12 and higher education in North Carolina by advocating for <br /> high -quality education for all , establishing schools and scholarships , serving as educators and mentors who inspire <br /> the next generation ; and <br /> WHEREAS , Jewish Americans have honorably served in the United States military, demonstrating courage , <br /> patriotism and a commitment to protecting the constitutional rights and freedoms we hold dear, and in government <br /> dedicating themselves to helping others ; and <br /> WHEREAS , Jewish physicians , researchers , and health care professionals have made critical contributions to <br /> medicine , health care , and science in North Carolina , while improving lives and advancing the well - being of the <br /> entire community ; and <br /> WHEREAS , the Jewish community in North Carolina has established cultural institutions , synagogues , and <br /> organizations that have enriched the state ' s religious , social and cultural fabric while educating and serving the <br /> public , fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among groups and promoting a welcoming and inclusive <br /> community for all residents ; and <br /> WHEREAS , the frequency of antisemitic incidents targeting Jews and those who are perceived as Jewish in the <br /> United States has reached record highs ; and <br /> WHEREAS , according to the American Jewish Committee , 91 percent of American Jews say they feel less safe as <br /> a Jewish person in the United States due to violent attacks against American Jews in the past year; and <br /> WHEREAS , according to the Jewish Federations of North America , 50 percent of Jewish institutions with a physical <br /> presence , such as synagogues , community centers , and day schools , lack the resources to adequately protect <br /> themselves against these rising threats ; and <br /> WHEREAS , recognizing and celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month reaffirms our state's commitment to <br /> combatting prejudice , standing strong against antisemitism and promoting unity among all North Carolina ' s <br /> residents ; <br /> NOW, THEREFORE , we , the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County , North Carolina , do hereby <br /> proclaim the month of May 2026 , as JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH and encourage our residents , <br /> community organizations , schools , and institutions to participate in programs and activities that honor Jewish <br /> American contributions to our history and present , celebrate their achievements , and inspire future generations of <br /> Jewish Americans . <br /> THIS THE 5t" DAY OF MAY, 2026. <br /> 4V4�r� ,�--_-- <br /> an Hamilton , Chair <br /> t Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> 17 52 <br />