BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
From its inception, when the United States was merely a collection of settlements, Jewish Americans have been integral to our national narrative. They came as farmers, soldiers, tailors, and merchants, quickly embedding themselves into the fabric of our society and making significant contributions across law, art, science, and medicine. Throughout pivotal moments in history, Jewish Americans have collaborated with their fellow citizens to uphold the American ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
In the New World, Jewish immigrants from Europe found a sanctuary where they could practice their faith without fear of persecution. The American experiment presented a unique opportunity for liberation from the myriad injustices and tragedies that had plagued Jewish communities throughout history.
In my 2019 proclamation declaring Jewish American Heritage Month, I echoed sentiments expressed by President George Washington in a letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island, dated August 18, 1790. Washington’s words contained a profound blessing: that “the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the goodwill of the other Inhabitants; while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.”
Unfortunately, during my first term, I often found myself juxtaposing Washington’s enduring blessing against the backdrop of violent anti-Semitic incidents from the preceding year. Each instance served as a painful reminder of the vulnerability of Washington’s vision.
Then came October 7, 2023, a day that shattered both international peace and our domestic tranquility. In the aftermath of these horrific attacks, the Jewish community in the United States and globally has faced an extraordinary challenge, one that resonates deeply within the annals of Jewish history. College campuses and streets erupted in violence, while blood libels surfaced at protests, and individuals wearing yarmulkes were openly assaulted. The America once familiar to its Jewish citizens seemed to transform overnight.
In his letter, President Washington envisioned a government that offers no endorsement to bigotry and no aid to persecution, requiring only that those who reside under its protection conduct themselves as good citizens.
Since taking office again, I have vowed to confront anti-Semitism in all its forms, both domestically and abroad. Anti-Semitism, often cloaked as anti-Zionism, Holocaust denial, or various false equivalencies, must not be tolerated. We must ensure that this resurgence finds no refuge in our society.
We celebrate the rich history and culture of the Jewish people in America, holding steadfast to President Washington’s vision, which, despite being nearly 250 years old, still embodies the revolutionary promise of our Republic: that every citizen who conducts themselves as a good citizen should be able to sit in peace under their own vine and fig tree — a covenant added to a blessing.
I firmly believe there has never been a more steadfast ally to the Jewish community than my Administration. We will unyieldingly maintain that anti-Semitism has no place in the greatest country in the world. As the 47th President of the United States, I am committed to using every legal tool at my disposal to combat anti-Semitic violence on our university campuses. We proudly stand in solidarity with our friend and ally, the State of Israel, and my commitment will never waver.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month. I urge all Americans to honor the heritage and contributions of American Jews by observing this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred forty-ninth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
