May is designated as Jewish American Heritage Month to commemorate the history of Jewish Americans in the United States. Circa April 29, 1654, a small ship of 23 Jewish refugees who were fleeing religious oppression and discrimination arrived into a port of present-day New York. Today, we continue to honor the courage of these individuals and the contributions of generations of Jewish Americans.
In honor or Jewish American heritage month, CHCANYS acknowledges the work of all our community health centers across New York State that welcome refugees and all who walk through their doors. These are just a few of the many amazing community health centers that honor Jewish heritage and serve the diverse communities in which they are located.
ODA Primary Health Care Network was founded by Rabbi Zvi Kestenbaum to ensure the immigrant population of Williamsburg, Brooklyn received access to high-quality, affordable primary and specialty health care. For over 40 years, the center has grown with the community and now serves over 55,000 patients.
Ezras Choilim Health Center has served the Monroe, NY community since 1998 with linguistically and culturally sensitive health care. Core values of caring for the community, staff, active community partnership and communication are practiced.
Ezra Medical Center serves a diverse population residing in and around Brooklyn’s Borough Park which is home to over 200 synagogues, and Kensington communities since 2001. In addition to comprehensive primary health care, the center has a wellness focus including an aqua therapy program.
CHCANYS also acknowledges the rise in antisemitic incidents in New York, which as reported by an increase of 24 percent, is at the highest level in decades, according to an Audit of Antisemitic Incidents 2021 | ADL by the Anti-Defamation League.
Jewish Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate, to uplift and to learn more about Jewish heritage, religious practices, traditions, and contributions. We encourage you to check out these resources this month and throughout the year:
Jewish American Heritage Month A collaborative project of the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service and US Holocaust Memorial Museum, displays exhibits and collections, audio and video, and teaching materials commemorating the contributions and history of Jewish Americans.
Dr. Jack Geiger A co-founder of today’s community health center movement was the son of Jewish immigrants from Austria and Germany. CHCANYS honors a clinical-champion to commemorate Dr. Geiger’s legacy.
National Proclamation President Biden’s Proclamation on Jewish American Heritage Month, May 2022
Storytelling Jewish tales from past and present