One of the most amazing things about the Walt Disney Company and the Disney experience it provides is how the company celebrates many different cultures and honors various identities and backgrounds through its stories and projects. From the recent (admittedly controversial) changes to be more inclusive with casting to the celebration of different heritages and months at Disney Parks, being a Disney fan affords it the wonderful chance to see ourselves being celebrated, whether on the big screen or in the Parks.
Most recently, the Algemeiner shared that Disney would be highlighting Jewish stories, employees, and fans to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month. The Disney Channel will “celebrate Jewish heritage all month long in some of its series’ including Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and The Ghost of Molly McGee.” Disney will also highlight Jewish history and stories through Disney Plus (stylized, Disney+) movies and a National Geographic partnership “on the new limited miniseries A Small Light, which premiered on May 1 and tells the heroic true story of a Dutch secretary who helped hide Anne Frank and her family during the Holocaust.”
“I hope the recognition and celebration of the month will inspire folks to tell more Jewish stories and learn about our diverse culture,” Jordan Kestenbaum, learning facilitator and delivery manager at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and co-founder of Disney’s SHALOM Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) shared. “I am really looking forward to the impact this month will have on employees and consumers of the enterprise beyond May 31.”
Jeremy Cohen, director of visual communications at The Walt Disney Company and co-founder of SHALOM, commented, “It’s my hope that we educate and inspire employees across Disney with amazing speakers and memorable activations. I can’t wait to showcase the incredible contributions made by Disney’s Jewish community within our walls and beyond.”
In addition, the company shared its own statement on the celebration. “At Disney, we continue to innovate and create content that is inspiring, authentic, and inclusive,” the company said. “We are all greater than a single story and we all deserve to feel seen, heard and understood, not only during heritage months, but year-round.”
