This May, we have much to celebrate. It was first recognized in 2006, following congressional resolutions, when President George W. Bush proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month. Since then, U.S. Presidents have issued annual proclamations highlighting the significant role Jewish Americans have played in shaping the American story. As part of this month, President Trump announced a historic recognition of "Shabbat 250," calling on Jewish Americans and people of all backgrounds to observe a national Shabbat from sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16, as part of America's 250th anniversary celebrations.
As we mark this month together, let it be a reminder of why the civic work we do matters, and why making our voices heard at every level of government is so important. Jewish Heritage Month exists because the community showed up, and it is that same spirit we must bring to every city council meeting, candidate forum, and conversation with a local official. Our heritage is worth celebrating, and it is worth protecting.
DID YOU KNOW that voting in the U.S. happens in two stages, and each one matters? Understanding the process is the first step to making your voice count. Don't forget to share this with your community so they can show up informed and ready.
IAC CALL TO ACTION Trader Joe's is facing organized pressure to remove Israeli products from its shelves. Grocery stores should be welcoming spaces for all customers, not political battlegrounds. Discriminatory boycott campaigns have no place in our communities, and we will not stand by while businesses are intimidated into excluding products based on their origin. This Shabbat and weekend, vote with your cart: shop at Trader Joe's and pick up Israeli products. And take 30 seconds to sign our petition of support, letting Trader Joe's know that their customers stand with them.
IAC CALL TO ACTION Help Recognize Jewish American Heritage Month in Your City, Schools & Public Libraries!
May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to honor the history, identity, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans throughout U.S. history. This year, the IAC is calling on community members across the country to take a simple but powerful action: reach out to your mayor, local schools, and public libraries and encourage them to recognize Jewish American Heritage Month through proclamations, educational resources, book displays, and community programs. A single email can create real visibility and lasting recognition for our community.
ONCE A MONTH WHEN ROY ALPERT IAC Magen Newsletter will spotlight an active community member making a difference! When Roy Alpert noticed that local Los Angeles city council candidates lacked basic knowledge of the issues the Jewish community cares most about, including IHRA, BDS, and bubble zones, he didn't wait for someone else to act. Partnering with the IAC, Roy personally met with each of the four prospective candidates to educate them on key legislative priorities and the actions needed to earn the community's support. The impact was immediate: candidates walked away with a deeper understanding of where our community stands and what we expect from our elected officials. For Roy, it comes down to accountability. "We need to hold elected officials accountable if they want the support of the Jewish community," he says. His message to activists in other cities is clear: engage with your local officials now. "We have a strong community and local officials want our support, but we need to make sure they commit to working with us and supporting us before we agree to support them".
The Focus Project is an IAC Magen collaborator and we are excited to share their content and material with you. The Focus Project develops and distributes news, background, history and weekly talking points on timely issues to inform individuals and organizations about issues affecting the American Jewish community and Israel, and help readers speak with more consistency and clarity. The editions also provide potential responses for addressing incidents of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. With input from a spectrum of major American Jewish organizations, the focus on that which unites us, rising above political and individual agendas.
JOIN US on Wednesday, June 3 at 6:00PM PT / 9:00PM ET for a special briefing for the IAC Magen network. IAC CEO and Former White House Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Elan S. Carr will break down what the midterm elections are, why they matter, and what is at stake for our communities and our country. We will also discuss how informed civic participation strengthens our voice locally and nationally, and why encouraging our friends and community members to vote is one of the most powerful tools we have.
IAC Magen turns concern into readiness. It trains adults and teens. It builds local teams. It connects communities across the country so none of us stand alone. Resilience does not happen by accident. It happens when people step forward.
If you believe our community deserves to be strong, organized, and prepared, this is your moment.
