Gov. Whitmer Proclaims May as Jewish American Heritage Month

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES

May 1, 2025 

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Proclaims May as Jewish American Heritage Month

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer recognizes May as Jewish American Heritage Month in Michigan, honoring the achievements, culture and contributions of Jewish Michiganders across the state.

“Jewish Michiganders have long been at the forefront of progress, standing up for civil rights, expanding economic opportunity, and enriching our culture,” said Governor Whitmer. “As we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, I encourage every Michigander to learn more about the history, traditions, and contributions of the Jewish community. Together, let’s continue to build a Michigan where everyone can succeed.”

“Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to reflect, celebrate, and uplift the voices and stories of Jewish Americans in our communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “In moments of darkness and in times of progress, Jewish Michiganders have stood for equality, education, and economic opportunity. We are proud to stand with them this month and every month.”

Since the first Jewish immigrants arrived in the United States in the 16th century, Jewish people have been instrumental in the prosperity of our state and nation. Jewish American Heritage Month was first recognized nationally by President George W. Bush in 2006, and has been reaffirmed in the following years, Michigan has a vibrant Jewish population who make significant contributions in government, countless industries, and the arts, throughout their rich history. Jewish Americans have worked to improve the conditions of marginalized groups across the nation.

"The story of Jews in the United States is a quintessential American story: fleeing persecution abroad in search of freedom and opportunity, overcoming challenges and barriers to contribute to our nation’s success,” said state Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “Even in these times of darkness and growing antisemitism, there is much light to celebrate in the Jewish community. Jewish American Heritage Month is a time for Michigan Jews to be proud of our cultural, civic, and economic impact on our state and country."

“This month we celebrate and recognize the experiences of Jewish Americans, and especially the vibrant Jewish community in Michigan,” said state Representative Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills). “Jewish Americans have played a vibrant role in advancing civil rights, building many industries and uplifting the arts. I encourage community members to take the time this month to learn more about Jewish Americans’ immense contributions throughout history.”

“There is so much more to the story of American Jews than staring down the persistent darkness of antisemitism. Our story is also the indomitable vibrancy of intellectual discovery, cultural achievement, philanthropic contribution, and civic transformation,” said state Representative Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield). “From Levi Strauss to Gloria Steinem, Stephen Sondheim to Joan Rivers, Samuel Gompers to Hank Greenberg, Louis Brandeis to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jews are an indelible part of the American story, and it is fitting that we mark May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month to highlight the countless groundbreaking achievements and contributions Jews have made — and will continue to make — in shaping our great state and country.”

“The Jewish Federation of Detroit sincerely thanks Governor Whitmer for proclaiming May as Jewish American Heritage Month in Michigan,” said David Kurzmann, Senior Director of Community Affairs, Jewish Federation of Detroit. “This recognition honors the enduring contributions of Jewish Michiganders to our state. As we mark the 77th anniversary of Israel’s founding and confront a disturbing rise in antisemitism, this proclamation offers a meaningful affirmation of Jewish identity, heritage, and resilience in Michigan’s story.”

“Jewish Americans have a long history of making exceptional contributions to American society as part of our country’s rich and diverse cultural melting pot,” said Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D. Oakland University, President. “Their resiliency, determination and achievements in government, military service, science, medicine, education, commerce and the arts are inextricable from the indefatigable spirit and progress of our country. Jewish American Heritage Month is an appropriate time to honor Jewish culture, religion and values which support the ideals of justice and repairing the world. We are taught that we are not required to complete the important work ahead of us; but, neither can we to turn away from it.”

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