File #: RS2024-475    Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 5/13/2024 In control: Metropolitan Council
On agenda: 5/21/2024 Final action: 5/21/2024
Title: A resolution recognizing May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month.
Sponsors: Jacob Kupin, Brenda Gadd, Jordan Huffman, Olivia Hill, Russ Bradford, Sean Parker, Jeff Gregg, Sheri Weiner, Bob Nash, Joy Styles, Zulfat Suara, David Benton, Tasha Ellis, Sandy Ewing, Sandra Sepulveda, Clay Capp, Quin Evans-Segall, Delishia Porterfield, Jason Spain, Ginny Welsch, Emily Benedict, Kyonzte Toombs, Terry Vo, Burkley Allen, Deonte Harrell
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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 o...

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