President Bush has announced that the month of May has been named Jewish Heritage Month. The announcement recognizes the Jewish American contribution to the heritage and history to the United States and will mark the month of May as an ongoing commemoration of the Jewish contribution to United States culture and history.

The proclamation was sponsored in Congress by Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who said, "For over 350 years, American culture has been deeply enriched by the contributions of Jews. While only 2 percent of the population, Jews have played a vital role in every aspect of American culture, from the westward expansion to advances in medicine to such quintessentially American symbols as the song God Bless America."

A concurrent resolution was introduced in the Senate by Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania. "American society is comprised of many cultures. Americans are proud of our history of acceptance and understanding. By establishing a Jewish American History Month, we will present an additional opportunity to raise our Nation's cultural awareness and celebrate our diversity," he said.

In anticipation of the decree, Jewish cultural institutions throughout the country are being encouraged by Representative Schultz's office to plan events focusing attention on the Jewish American Heritage Month.