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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, May 2025 is being observed as Jewish American |
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Heritage Month, a time to recognize the many vital contributions |
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made by Jewish Americans to the United States and to the State of |
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Texas; and |
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WHEREAS, The American Jewish community traces its roots to |
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1654, when a group of 23 Jewish men, women, and children migrated to |
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New Amsterdam, present-day New York City, from Recife, Brazil, to |
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escape religious persecution; during the more than three and a half |
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centuries that have followed, Jewish Americans have played an |
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integral role in our nation's development and have demonstrated |
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their commitment to country and community in myriad ways; only a few |
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years after the 350th anniversary of that historic arrival, May was |
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officially proclaimed Jewish American Heritage Month by President |
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George W. Bush in 2006; and |
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WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have served with distinction in |
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government and the military, led universities and global |
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corporations, and upheld the rule of law, including service on the |
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U.S. Supreme Court; they have advanced science and medicine, earned |
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Nobel Prizes, and immeasurably enriched American culture through |
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their achievements in literature, art, music, film, and other |
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fields; and |
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WHEREAS, Jewish Americans in Texas have played an |
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instrumental role in the growth and success of the state since its |
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earliest days; they served as soldiers in the Texas Revolution, |
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founded communities such as Castroville and Waco, and established |
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congregations and charitable institutions statewide; moreover, |
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Jewish Americans have helped to shape the cultural and economic |
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fabric of Texas through business, education, philanthropy, and |
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civic engagement; today, members of Jewish organizations |
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throughout Texas continue to build on this proud legacy, ensuring |
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that the values of freedom, justice, and community service endure |
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for future generations; and |
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WHEREAS, Since the time of our country's founding, Jewish |
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Americans have distinguished themselves in every field of endeavor, |
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and it is fitting to acknowledge and celebrate the role they have |
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played, and continue to play, in strengthening the prosperity, |
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resilience, and quality of life in our state and nation; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature |
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hereby recognize May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month. |