The Office of the Governor of the State of Montana

05/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/01/2024 14:34

Gov. Gianforte, 26 Governors Commemorate Jewish-American Heritage Month

Gov. Gianforte, 26 Governors Commemorate Jewish-American Heritage Month

Governor proclaims May Jewish-American Heritage Month in Montana

Governor's Office
  • May 01 2024

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today joined 26 other governors in recognizing May as Jewish-American Heritage Month. Gianforte and the governors stand in solidarity with the nation's Jewish community at a time when it faces targeted, antisemitic, deliberate attacks from anti-Israel and pro-Hamas protestors.

"As governors and community leaders, we are honored to recognize May as Jewish American Heritage Month, especially as Jewish people around the world face unspeakable persecution," the governors stated. "Our country has a long history of supporting Israel, and now more than ever, it's important we stand in solidarity with the Jewish community against horrific acts of antisemitism, religious bigotry, and terrorism both in our country and across the globe."

The governors continued, "Throughout May, we are proud to celebrate Jewish heritage and the many positive contributions that the Jewish community has had on our nation while reaffirming our unwavering support for the Nation of Israel and her people."

In addition to Gov. Gianforte, signatories to the statement include Governors Kay Ivey (AL), Mike Dunleavy (AK), Sarah Sanders (AR), Ron DeSantis (FL), Brian Kemp (GA), Brad Little (ID), Eric Holcomb (IN), Kim Reynolds (IA), Jeff Landry (LA), Tate Reeves (MS), Mike Parson (MO), Jim Pillen (NE), Joe Lombardo (NV), Chris Sununu (NH), Doug Burgum (ND), Kevin Stitt (OK), Mike DeWine (OH), Henry McMaster (SC), Kristi Noem (SD), Bill Lee (TN), Greg Abbott (TX), Spencer Cox (UT), Phil Scott (VT), Glenn Youngkin (VA), Jim Justice (WV), and Mark Gordon (WY).

The governors' joint statement may be viewed here.

In April, on the six-month anniversary since Hamas terrorists brutally attacked Israel, Gov. Gianforte directed the Israeli flag to stand alongside the flags of the United States and Montana until all hostages, including American citizens, are returned home.

In the days after the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, Gov. Gianforte ordered all flags flown in the State of Montana to fly at half-staff in memory of the innocent lives lost in Israel at the hands of Hamas terrorists. In solidarity with Israel and Jews throughout the world, he attended a vigil for Israel at the Chabad Lubavitch Center of Jewish Life and Learning in Bozeman.

In line with his solidarity with the Jewish people and at a ceremony at the State Capitol, the governor on Tuesday, May 7 will proclaim the month of May Jewish-American Heritage Month in Montana.

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