President Trump issued a proclamation encouraging Jewish Americans to observe a “national Sabbath” from “sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16” in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
“Throughout this historic year, we rejoice in the triumph of the American spirit and rededicate ourselves to the cause of liberty and justice for all. In special honor of 250 glorious years of American independence and on the weekend of Rededicate 250 — a national jubilee of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving — Jewish Americans are encouraged to observe a national Sabbath,” the proclamation read.
“From sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16, friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds may come together in gratitude for our great Nation. This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty,” it continued.
US President Donald Trump encouraged American Jews to observe a national Sabbath from sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16 in honor of 250 years of American independence.
✍️ @MathildaHeller https://t.co/Zh2M1UbS0z— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) May 5, 2026
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Trump spoke of how American Jews have helped build America since its establishment 250 years ago. He gave the example of Haym Salomon, the Polish-born financier who bankrolled the American Revolution and co-founded Philadelphia’s first synagogue. Despite his sacrifices, Solomon died penniless at the age of 44 and was buried in an unmarked grave.
“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,” Trump said.
Trump also cited President George Washington’s letter to the Hebrew Congregation at Newport, in which he proclaimed that the United States “gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”
“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,” Trump said. He promised that, as president, he would continue to fight to protect religious freedom.
“Freedom 250 applauds the @WhiteHouse proclamation for Jewish American Heritage Month, which calls for Americans of the Jewish faith to celebrate a national Sabbath, observing a day of rest, reflection, and gratitude from sundown on Friday, May 15, through nightfall on Saturday, May 16, 2026,” Freedom 250 wrote.
Freedom 250 applauds the @WhiteHouse proclamation for Jewish American Heritage Month, which calls for Americans of the Jewish faith to celebrate a national Sabbath, observing a day of rest, reflection, and gratitude from sundown on Friday, May 15, through nightfall on Saturday,… pic.twitter.com/gaOd55ANiB
— Freedom 250 (@Freedom250) May 5, 2026
“NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month. I call upon Americans to celebrate the heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans and to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies,” the proclamation read.
“I further call on all Americans to celebrate their faith and freedom throughout this year, during this month, and especially on Shabbat to celebrate our 250th year,” it continued.
All Israel News shared further:
The proclamation was welcomed by several Orthodox Jewish organizations, including Agudath Israel of America, which said the initiative underscores longstanding American values.
In a statement, the group said the move reflects not only recognition of Jewish contributions but also broader national ideals. It said that “the basic obligation of hakaras hatov (gratitude), recognizing and appreciating the incredible good of our host nation, is a fundamental principle worthy of national public acknowledgment. We thank President Trump for recognizing the important role of the Jewish people and Shabbos in the history of the United States.”
The United States is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, estimated at between 6.3 and 7.5 million people, or roughly 2% of the population. Major population centers include New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, with additional communities in Houston, Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., and Boston. While most American Jews identify with the Reform movement, a growing number describe themselves as non-denominational or traditional.
Despite representing a relatively small share of the population, Jewish Americans have played an outsized role in fields ranging from the arts and finance to science and academia, a theme echoed throughout the president’s proclamation.
Read the full proclamation HERE.