SR0768 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0768 LRB104 21762 MST 37433 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have been an integral part of the United States since its founding, contributing consistently to the nation's growth, democratic institutions, and shared civic life across generations; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Jewish community played meaningful roles in the founding of the United States and have long supported the constitutional ideals of religious liberty, individual rights, and democratic self-governance; and

WHEREAS, During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Jewish immigrants from Europe sought refuge in the United States from pogroms and Nazi persecution, establishing enduring Jewish communities throughout the nation, including in Illinois, drawn by America's promise as a place of refuge, freedom, and opportunity; and

WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have made enduring contributions to the cultural, economic, civic, and intellectual life of the United States and the State of Illinois, including in education, science, business, government, philanthropy, civil rights, labor, and the arts, with notable Jewish Illinoisans including, among many others, Governors Henry Horner, Samuel Shapiro, and J.B. Pritzker, philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, community organizer Hannah G. Solomon, feminist author Betty Friedan, and eight United States Representatives, starting with Julius Goldzier in 1893 followed by Martin Emerich, Adolph J. Sabath, Sydney Yates, Abner J. Mikva, and Rahm Emanuel, to current Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Brad Schneider; and

WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have also demonstrated a strong tradition of public service, including honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States and the Illinois National Guard, defending the freedoms and security of the nation and State; and

WHEREAS, The Jewish American community encompasses a wide range of cultural traditions, religious practices, economic circumstances, and political viewpoints, reflecting the diversity and pluralism that define American society; and

WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and contributions of Jewish Americans and to recognize the continuing importance of fostering understanding, acceptance, and respect for all cultures and religions; and

WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month is observed annually each May to recognize the history, achievements, and enduring legacy of Jewish Americans and to celebrate the vital contributions of Jewish Illinoisans to the State's cultural, economic, civic, and social life; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month in the State.