In 1654, 23 Sephardic Jews arrived in New Amsterdam, laying the foundations of the first Jewish community in North America. From that humble beginning, American Jews have served, sacrificed, and contributed in every generation to the flourishing and defense of American liberty. As we approach the Founding’s 250th Anniversary/372nd Anniversary of Jews in America, the ASF is creating a symposium in New York on 23 June at Shearith Israel (NYC’s Spanish & Portuguese Community) to spotlight the enduring yet unheralded legacy of Jewish patriots, as well as illuminating how Judeo-Christian Covenantal teachings helped shape the vision of the Founding Fathers. We seek to honor the role of Sephardic Jews in America’s story—both their direct contributions to the Revolution and the influence of Covenantal teachings on the Constitution—as well as to explore the Judeo-Christian intellectual, moral, and cultural roots of the Republic. Our event will bring together elected officials, scholars, community leaders, and the public in a space that fosters dialogue, recognition, and renewed understanding of the principles that unite all Americans.

By recovering the stories of America’s first Jewish community and their devotion to liberty, the event will remind all Americans of how the values that forged the Republic continue to sustain it.