December 23, 2005 – New York – The American Jewish Committee is concerned about the controversy that has come to the fore in recent days over the use of the phrase “Happy Holidays.”

Some organizations, television commentators and even members of Congress have recently asserted that the use of the phrase “Happy Holidays” constitutes an “attack on Christmas.” Certain groups have even threatened to boycott retailers who do not include explicit references to Christmas in their holiday presentations and who do not wish their customers “Merry Christmas.”

AJC welcomes holiday displays that exhibit a sensitivity to the diverse communities in which we live. The holiday season is a time for inclusiveness, as opposed to the exclusive approach advocated by those orchestrating the “take back Christmas” campaign.

AJC was disappointed by the House of Representatives resolution purporting to protect the symbols and traditions of Christmas. With so many challenges facing our country, such as enhancing national security, attending to hurricane recovery and the economy, AJC believes that expending energy on resolutions to protect religious symbols and traditions that are in truth not under any attack is seriously misguided.  Such legislative measures can only serve to divide Americans along religious lines rather than bringing us together under the banner of religious freedom that we cherish as our national heritage.