Jewish Heritage Week, 1994

Proclamation 6665 of April 8, 1994

Jewish Heritage Week, 1994

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

American history is a tapestry woven from the fabric of
traditions and beliefs from every corner of the globe
and bound together by a common love for life and
liberty. Since our Nation's earliest days, Jewish
citizens have contributed to our success in virtually
every field of human endeavor. The Jewish culture, a
vibrant and distinctive strand in our richly textured
tapestry, has helped to give our Nation its shape.

After enduring centuries of hardship and bigotry in
nations throughout the diaspora, many Jewish people
found their ways to America's shores. Some came early
in our Nation's history, seeking to make their mark in
a newly free society. Others came in the wake of the
pogroms or the Holocaust, looking for a government that
would protect their rights to worship and live as they
chose. By boat, airplane, and any other means that
would carry them, Jewish people came to America and
infused this great land with a noble heritage based on
faith and family, with an enduring commitment to the
pursuit of knowledge and the ideal of justice.

Though the customs of daily Jewish life have changed
markedly over the millennia, the central tenets of
ancient Judaism have remained a constant guide since
Moses taught them to his people so long ago. Jewish
families continue to hand down these lessons to their
children, and the fundamental lessons of the Torah
still serve the faithful today, as we seek to renew our
land and restore the bonds of community.

Jewish citizens, along with people of hundreds of other
beliefs and backgrounds, have found freedom and success
in our Nation of immigrants, and they continue to make
lasting and meaningful contributions to every area of
our society. Recognizing the positive influence of the
Jewish people, traditions, and culture within our
country, the Congress, by Public Law 103-27, has
designated April 10 through April 17, 1994, as ``Jewish
Heritage Week,'' and has authorized and requested the
President to issue a proclamation in observance of this
week.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week
of April 10 through April 17, 1994, as Jewish Heritage
Week. I call upon the people of the United States to
observe the week with appropriate programs, ceremonies,
and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-four, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and
eighteenth.

(Presidential Sig.)>