Missouri Gov. Mike Parson last week proclaimed September as Jewish American Heritage Month in the state.
“Missouri’s own Harry S. Truman was the first world leader to officially recognize Israel as a legitimate Jewish state, and we continue our proud support for members of the Jewish faith today,” he said. “While we always want to recognize, honor and appreciate the contributions members of the Jewish faith make to our culture and communities across the state, we especially want to do so during Jewish American Heritage Month.
“We also want to take this opportunity to unequivocally reject antisemitism toward Jewish people and bigotry of any kind. Today and every day, we say hate and discrimination have no home in Missouri.”
Although typically celebrated during May on the national level, Parson chose this month to proclaim Jewish American Heritage Month because several major Jewish holidays are celebrated in September, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the start of Sukkot.
“During Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate our state’s strong support for Israel and those of the Jewish faith,” Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe said. “We also reaffirm Missouri’s commitment to rejecting antisemitism and discrimination toward the Jewish community.”
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who plans to run for governor in 2024, also spoke about the proclamation.
“As secretary of state, I am pleased and honored to recognize the faith and fortitude of Jewish Americans and the contributions they have made to the great state of Missouri and this republic,” he said. “Generations of Jewish people have come to this country; some fleeing oppression and discrimination, others searching for the American dream. I stand together with Jewish Missourians to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month as we push forward to preserve freedom and form a more perfect union.”
Attorney General Andrew Bailey affirmed his opposition to antisemitism in Missouri. “The attorney general’s office has a history of standing against antisemitism and taking action to combat anti-Israel bias,” he said. “We will continue to defend Jewish Missourians across the state this month and every month.”
–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice
