President Obama will host another Jewish American Heritage Month reception, days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Washington.
The White House announced plans for the May 17 reception on Monday. “The reception will highlight and celebrate the history and unique identity of Jewish Americans and their profound and ennobling contributions to the American story,” the announcement said. “Invitees include grassroots Jewish community leaders from across the country, rabbis, Members of Congress, and a broad range of leaders engaged in business, the arts, education, and public and community service.”
Netanyahu will be in Washington the following week to address a joint meeting of both houses of Congress; he will also meet with Obama.
The Obama White House hosted the first ever Jewish Heritage Month reception a year ago.
That reception was marked by an interview an attendee had with veteran correspondent Helen Thomas, in which she said Jews should “get out of Palestine.” The subsequent controversy all but ended her career.
