Vista proclaims May as Jewish American Heritage Month

The City of Vista issued a proclamation recognizing May as Jewish American Heritage Month, citing a 2006 presidential proclamation and urging residents to observe the month with programs and ceremonies honoring Jewish history and culture.

The proclamation notes that in 2006 the president established an annual national observance of Jewish American Heritage Month and calls on local organizations and residents to hold appropriate events. The proclamation as read by a city presenter emphasized the contributions of Jewish Americans to the civic, cultural and economic vitality of the community.

A resident who spoke after the reading thanked attendees and described a family connection to Judaism: "Thank you all for being here tonight. Um it's such an honor to be surrounded by Jewish community. My mom's mother was Jewish and um because my grandmother um wasn't able to celebrate the holidays, um I now celebrate the holidays in her honor and I just want to say thank you for being uh an embracing community and for being here and representing and being who you are and I support you and I stand with you," the resident said.

Another resident thanked the city for the proclamation: "I'd like to sincerely thank the city of Vista for this meaningful proclamation recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month. Thank you for the recognition. We are proud to call this country and the city of Vista our home and may America continue to uphold its core values of faith, faith, freedom, opportunity, and justice for the generations to come. Thank you all so much," the resident said.

The remarks concluded with audience applause. No motions, votes, or formal follow-up actions were recorded in the transcript.