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Recognizing May 2026 as Dual Asian American Pacific Islander and Jewish American Heritage Month in Philadelphia in recognition of America 250, celebrating the rich history, interwoven stories, and significant contributions made by generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Jewish Americans to our Nation, Commonwealth, and City.
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WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia birthplace of American democracy and home to Independence Hall, the Declaration of Independence, and the United States Constitution continues to serve as a central gathering place for the nation’s America 250 commemorations, reaffirming our core values of liberty, pluralism, civic participation, and shared responsibility; and
WHEREAS, As the United States marks 250 years since its founding, the experiences of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and Jewish Americans illuminate key themes of the American story immigration, resilience, cultural contribution, community leadership, and the ongoing strengthening of our democracy; and
WHEREAS, AAPI Americans have contributed to the nation for more than two centuries and continue to enrich Philadelphia through their roles in the arts, sciences, entrepreneurship, government, public service, culture, and community-building. Locally, the AAPI community has strengthened civic life by establishing AAPI Heritage Week, leading Census representation efforts, expanding cultural organizations such as the Asian Arts Initiative and the Southeast Asian Market, and advancing representation through the Mayor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs; and
WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have been part of Philadelphia’s civic and cultural fabric since the colonial era, advancing religious freedom, scholarship, philanthropy, and leadership in the arts, education, and public affairs. Philadelphia is home to historic institutions including the first Jewish Publication Society in America and the nation’s first Hebrew high school, along with major scholarly and cultural organizations that shaped Jewish life and thought across the United States; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Asian Pacific American Jewish Alliance (PAPAJA), founded in 2022 with the partnership of AJC, is the nation’s first and only statewide coalition dedicated to strengthening solidarity between the Asian Pacific American and American Jewish communities, fostering collaboration, mutual understanding, and joint action against hate while promoting shared civic values; and
WHEREAS, The America 250 commemoration provides a timely opportunity to honor longstanding moments of partnership between AAPI and Jewish communities, particularly in civil rights, immigrant advocacy, interfaith collaboration, community solidarity, and joint efforts to strengthen democracy and combat hate; and
WHEREAS, A special Dual Heritage Day celebration will take place on May 3, 2026, co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Asian Pacific American Jewish Alliance (PAPAJA), the American Jewish Committee (AJC), and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History as part of America 250 programming. This citywide event will feature cultural performances, crafts, dance, storytelling, and family activities that highlight the heritage of both communities and deepen bonds of friendship; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes May 2026 as Dual Asian American Pacific Islander and Jewish American Heritage Month in Philadelphia, in honor of America 250 and in recognition of the historical and contemporary contributions made by Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Jewish Americans to our Country, Commonwealth, and City.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Pennsylvania Asian Pacific American Jewish Alliance as evidence of the admiration and respect of this legislative body.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the American Jewish Committee (AJC) as evidence of the admiration and respect of this legislative body.
FINALLY RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History as evidence of the admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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