Legislation Assemblymen Neil M. Cohen and Gary S. Schaer sponsored to statutorily designate each April as “Jewish Heritage Month” in New Jersey today passed the General Assembly.

“It is important to honor the rich heritage of our state’s Jewish population,” said Cohen (D-Union). “Jewish culture has contributed much to the tapestry of New Jersey and is deserving of permanent recognition.”

The bill (AJR-79) would codify April of each year in New Jersey as Jewish Heritage Month.  Activities during the month would serve to commemorate the contributions Jewish immigrants and their descendants have made to the state and the nation.

The sponsors said they introduced legislation to create a permanent celebration to avoid the chaos of scrambling to submit a bill each year to maintain the designation.  Similar laws have been enacted to designate commemorations that include Black History Month, Women’s History Week, and Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.

“New Jersey’s diverse Jewish population deserves to be recognized,” said Schaer (D-Passaic).  “Our rich heritage and generations of contributions have made an enormous positive impact on the state and the nation.”

The Assembly passed the measure by a vote of 77 to 0.  It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.