President Trump has 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.

The proclamation states: “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.”

It further explains: “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.”

President Trump highlighted Haym Salomon, a Polish-born financier who bankrolled the American Revolution and co-founded Philadelphia’s first synagogue. Despite his sacrifices, Salomon died penniless at age 44 and was buried in an unmarked grave.

The president also referenced George Washington’s letter to the Hebrew Congregation at Newport, where he declared that “the United States gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”

Trump stated: “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.” He added he would continue to fight for religious freedom.

The proclamation was welcomed by several Orthodox Jewish organizations. Agudath Israel of America praised the initiative, stating it reflects “longstanding American values” and thanked Trump for recognizing “the important role of the Jewish people and Shabbos in the history of the United States.” Freedom 250 also supported the proclamation, noting it calls for Americans of Jewish faith to observe a national Sabbath from sundown on Friday, May 15 through nightfall on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

According to U.S. Census estimates, there are approximately 6.3 to 7.5 million Jewish Americans, representing about 2% of the population. Major communities exist in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., and Boston. While most identify with the Reform movement, a growing number describe themselves as non-denominational or traditional.

Despite their 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.