The Flossmoor Board of Trustees recognized May as Jewish American Heritage Month during its May 18 meeting, with Mayor Michelle Nelson issuing a proclamation honoring the contributions Jewish Americans have made to the nation and local communities.
The proclamation stated that Jewish Americans have contributed to American culture, government, education, science, military service and community life for nearly 370 years. It also noted that former President George W. Bush established Jewish American Heritage Month in 2006 to recognize those contributions.
Nelson said the proclamation also served as a reaffirmation against antisemitism and in support of the Jewish community.
“Our society needs to reaffirm our rejection of antisemitic bigotry and our commitment to never compromise our steadfast support for the Jewish community,” the proclamation stated.
The proclamation noted that approximately 325,000 Jewish residents live in the Chicagoland area and encouraged residents to learn more about the contributions Jewish Americans have made locally and nationally.
Rabbi Carmit Harari, who is the rabbi for the congregation Shir Tikvah in Homewood thanked the village for its support during what she described as a difficult time for Jewish Americans.
“As you may be aware, it’s an exceptionally challenging time in this country to be a Jewish person,” Harari said. “Antisemitism has risen by hundreds of percent.”
Harari said the recognition demonstrated the community’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“It is not lost on any of us what a privilege it is to be able to stand here and be part of a village like Flossmoor,” she said. “We can’t tell you how much it means to know that we have the support of our neighbors and the support of the village of Flossmoor in this way.”
She also referenced a shooting that occurred earlier in the day at an Islamic center in San Diego and called for unity and peace.
“We pray that we can all know peace, and we can all find our way to respecting and honoring and loving one another,” Harari said.
