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May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), and its observance is more important than ever with the rise of antisemitic rhetoric across the political spectrum.
Jewish places of worship, including in Santa Cruz County, require security because of increased threats of violence against the Jewish community. One way to combat antisemitism is through education. It is important to teach about the struggles of Jewish immigrants who encountered discrimination in housing and employment. Country clubs barred Jews and restrictive covenants barred home sales to Jews. Universities like Harvard and Stanford had quotas to limit the number of Jewish students. Many Jews changed their names so as not to sound too Jewish.
Despite these obstacles, American Jews have had a significant imprint on American society, especially in the arts. The American movie industry was pioneered by Jewish filmmakers. Jewish comedians from the Marx Bothers to Sarah Silverman have entertained us, and Jewish musicians from Leonard Bernstein in classical music to Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand and Carole King have had a major impact on music in America. Many American Nobel Prize winners were Jewish, and Albert Sabin and Jonas Salk developed polio vaccines. Jewish women such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Betty Friedan were leaders in the women’s movement, as was Harvey Milk in the gay rights movement.
Despite these accomplishments, Jews are still victims of hate crimes and prejudices, much due to ignorance. The success of one ethnic group in overcoming poverty and discrimination shouldn’t be used to flame more hate. Jews have much to be proud about and so when we observe JAHM we celebrate a success story that will not be complete until Jews feel safe in their homes and places of worship.
Gil Stein
Aptos