At its May 6 meeting, the St. Louis Park City Council passed a proclamation observing Jewish American Heritage Month. Jewish American Heritage Month is observed every May across the country and is highly meaningful in St. Louis Park, which has a vibrant and significant Jewish population. Jewish migration to St. Louis Park was facilitated in part by access to homes that didn't have restrictive covenants against Jewish people, unlike other cities at the time. It has since become a significant place of Jewish life in Minnesota, being home to several Jewish schools, businesses and communities. This month is a time to recognize the contributions of Jewish Americans and culture in Minnesota.

Proclamation

The proclamation reads:

Whereas, Jewish American communities are an integral part of the diversity that makes St. Louis Park a great place to experience life; and

Whereas, Jewish American communities have played a large role in our city and state through entrepreneurship, religious leadership, and civic involvement, helping create a more just and inclusive community for all; and

Whereas, St. Louis Park is home to several Jewish schools, businesses, synagogues and diverse Jewish communities; and

Whereas, acknowledgement and understanding can help challenge antisemitism and break negative stereotypes about Jewish Americans and the Jewish faith and furthers the city’s commitment to being a leader in racial equity and inclusion; and

Whereas, this month serves as an opportunity to better understand the Jewish American experience and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Jewish Americans in our city, state and country; and

Now, therefore, let it be known that the mayor and city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, hereby observe May 2024 as Jewish American heritage month in our community.