At the May 6th State College Borough Council Meeting, Mayor Ezra Nanes declared this month as Jewish American Heritage Month and presented a proclamation to local Jewish leaders. These are Rabbi Ostrich’s remarks in accepting the proclamation.
Thank you, Mayor Nanes, for this kind appreciation.
From 1654, when the first Jews arrived in what later became the United States, our goals have been threefold. First, we came in search of a place where we could practice our ancient faith in peace. Second, we came in search of a place where we could work in our professions and trades, make a living, and raise our families in peace. Third, we came in search of a place where we could be part of society and “part of the solution” for all of humanity’s challenges.
In large measure, we have been very successful. Our faith and institutions are strong. Our people have been free to work hard and aspire to the American Dream. And, we have been a constructive part of the American process, contributing in every possible way to America’s building and improvement. Jews have fought in every war, served in the Congress and Judiciary and diplomatic corps, and been active in movements for social justice. Jews have participated in education, science, commerce, athletics, and culture. We are part of the American fabric.
We have been, as George Washington envisioned, good citizens. As he wrote in 1790 to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island:
“The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.”
This declaration from our first President established a standard for American society. Though we have fallen short too many times—with Jews among those for whom “liberty and justice for all” has not always been the case, this noble aspiration calls on us all to build the “more perfect union” our Constitution envisions. Jewish Americans are proud to be patriots and appreciate both the blessings and opportunities of this nation and this land. We remain committed to, in President Washington’s words, giving our country and our community on all occasions our effectual support.