US President Joe Biden signed a proclamation on Tuesday declaring May to be Jewish American Heritage Month.

“For centuries, the perseverance, hope, and unshakeable faith of the Jewish people have inspired people around the world,” Biden said as per the White House website.

“We celebrate the contributions, culture, and values that they have passed down from generation to generation and that have shaped who we are as Americans.”

Biden also acknowledged the resilience of the Jewish American community “in the face of a long and painful history of persecution,” specifically mentioning Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th, which he described as “the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.”

“Our hearts are with all the victims, survivors, families, and friends whose loved ones were killed, wounded, displaced, or taken hostage. including women and girls whom Hamas has subjected to appalling acts of rape and sexual violence,” he said.

Jewish American Heritage Month has its roots in a resolution introduced by Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania in 2005. Since then, every sitting US president has issued a proclamation recognizing May as Jewish American Heritage Month.

The month is dedicated to celebrating the contributions, achievements, and history of Jewish Americans, who have played a significant role in shaping the nation’s culture, politics, and society.