WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama declared May to be Jewish American Heritage Month.

In a proclamation signed last week, Obama writes that the Jewish American tradition “exemplifies the strength of the American immigrant tradition” and that “the focus on preserving traditions is a notable characteristic of Jewish culture.”

“Jewish Americans have immeasurably enriched our nation,” the proclamation states. “Unyielding in the face of hardship and tenacious in following their dreams, Jewish Americans have surmounted the challenges that every immigrant group faces and have made unparallelled contributions.”

“Among the greatest contributions of the Jewish American community,” it continues, “is the example they have set for all Americans. They have demonstrated that Americans can choose to maintain cultural traditions while honouring the principles and beliefs that bind them together as Americans. Jewish-American history demonstrates how America’s diversity enriches and strengthens us all.”

This is the fourth year a U.S. president has proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month. The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, spearheaded by Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), passed resolutions urging that the month honour the contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States.