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A resolution recognizing May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month.
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WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month recognizes the impact of the contributions of Jewish Americans to the state of Tennessee and to Nashville and Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, since the 1800s, Jews have lived, worked, and prospered in Tennessee, growing in numbers to reach approximately 16,000 in Nashville according to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville; and
WHEREAS, Jewish American suffragists, activists, and leaders marched for civil rights, women’s rights, and voting rights. Jewish Americans have established themselves as merchants, artisans, entertainers, and professionals in a variety of fields. They have served our country in uniform, as public servants, and in elected office, and have contributed to the prosperity of Nashville; and
WHEREAS, the Jewish American community has also shown resilience in the face of a long and painful history of persecution that sadly continues today. According to the Anti-Defamation League, there were over 3,600 antisemitic incidents nationwide in 2022 and, between October 7, 2023, and January 7, 2024, antisemitic incidents across the United States rose a staggering 360%; and
WHEREAS, Nashville has not been immune to this rise in antisemitism. In February 2023, antisemitic flyers were distributed in neighborhoods throughout Nashville. In March 2023, a banner with a swastika as well as homophobic and transphobic language was seen on the Chestnut Street bridge near Fort Negley, and antisemitic graffiti was spraypainted on homes in Sylvan Park. In December 2023, many members of Nashville’s Jewish community received a violent, hate-filled email that threatened a bombing of a local synagogue. In February of this year, a group of demonstrators carrying Nazi flags and chanting antisemitic and racist slurs marched through Nashville; and
WHEREAS, these incidents come more than 60 years after the bombing of the Jewish Community Center of Nashville on March 16, 1958; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council condemns these hateful, antisemitism events in Nashville and expresses its support for Nashville’s Jewish community; and
WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the contributions, culture, and values of Jewish Americans in Nashville and around the United States and to remember that the power lies within each of us to rise together against hate and to see each other as fellow human beings.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.