Obama declares May Jewish American Heritage Month

U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday declared May Jewish American Heritage Month for 2010, calling it a time to honor "the invaluable contributions Jewish Americans have made to our nation."

Obama said in a statement that the U.S. has always been both a haven and a home for Jewish Americans, including those who arrived in the country "before America's birth" and those "who sought refuge from the horrors of pogroms and the Holocaust."

Obama went on to say that Jewish Americans have immeasurably enriched the national culture, while maintaining their own unique identity.

"During Jewish American Heritage Month we celebrate this proud history and honor the invaluable contributions Jewish Americans have made to our nation," Obama said.

"The Jewish American story is an essential chapter of the American narrative. It is one of refuge from persecution; of commitment to service, faith, democracy, and peace; and of tireless work to achieve success."

Obama added that Jewish Americans have influenced every facet of American life, including athletics, entertainment and the arts to academia, business, government, and the Armed Forces.

"We are a stronger and more hopeful country because so many Jews from around the world have made America their home," Obama said.

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