Trump Urges US Jews to Observe National Sabbath in Honor of 250 Years US Independence

In a significant proclamation for Jewish American Heritage Month, President Donald Trump has called upon the American Jewish community to observe a national Sabbath from sundown May 15 to nightfall May 16. This initiative aims to honor the 250 years of American independence and recognize the profound and enduring contributions of Jewish Americans throughout the nation's history. The President's message underscores a deep appreciation for the community's role in building America since its inception.

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Celebrating a national Sabbath, he said, would honor the "countless contributions of Jewish Americans throughout our Nation’s 250 glorious years of independence" and recognize the Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to God.

Trump invoked historical figures like Haym Salomon, the financier who supported the American Revolution, and President George Washington's seminal letter to the Newport Hebrew Congregation, which affirmed the principle that the United States "gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance." These references serve to connect the present-day celebration with the foundational ideals of religious freedom and inclusivity upon which the nation was built. The President also reiterated his administration's commitment to combating the rise of antisemitism and violence against Jewish Americans, vowing to prosecute hateful criminals and protect religious liberties.

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Like so many Jewish Americans who follow in his footsteps, Salomon’s legacy stands as a testament to the unshakable belief in the American promise.

This call for a national Sabbath comes amidst broader efforts to recognize and celebrate Jewish American contributions. A bipartisan resolution recently introduced in the US House of Representatives further emphasizes the importance of Jewish American Heritage Month. This resolution calls on leaders to counter antisemitism and educate the public about the community's significant role in advancing the American experiment. The inclusion of the 1 million Jewish men and women who have served in the US armed forces highlights a particularly poignant aspect of this heritage, underscoring their dedication and sacrifice.

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Under my leadership, we are aggressively fighting the violence against Jewish Americans that increased under my predecessor, prosecuting hateful criminals to the fullest extent of the law, and working to end the scourge of antisemitism throughout our institutions, especially on college campuses.

From our perspective here in Jerusalem, this initiative by President Trump is a welcome affirmation of the strong ties between the United States and the Jewish people. It not only acknowledges historical contributions but also addresses contemporary challenges like rising antisemitism. The emphasis on religious freedom and the fight against hate resonates deeply, particularly in a region where such issues are constantly at the forefront. The bipartisan support in the US House for recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month further signals a unified national commitment that is encouraging to witness.

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This celebration is also one of the most effective ways to combat rising antisemitism, as Jews and non-Jews alike come to learn about all the amazing Jewish men and women who played critical roles to advance the American experiment over the past 250 years, including those who defended our nation in the military.