Jewish Heritage Week, 1998

Proclamation 7087 of April 24, 1998

Jewish Heritage Week, 1998

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America's first Jewish immigrants arrived on our shores
from Europe more than 100 years before the American
Revolution. In subsequent decades, millions more Jewish
men and women would follow, fleeing persecution,
pogroms, and the horrors of the Holocaust, seeking a
new life of freedom and opportunity for themselves and
their children. While many came here in poverty, they
brought with them the riches of their ancient Jewish
heritage: faith in God; a strong commitment to family
and community; a tradition of service to others; and a
deep love of learning and the arts.

Drawing on these many strengths, Jewish citizens have
made extraordinary contributions to every aspect of
American life. Acutely conscious of the dangers of
racism, prejudice, and political oppression, American
Jews have been strong and effective advocates in the
cause of social justice. They have dedicated their
energies, talents, and resources to ensure that our
Nation lives up to its promise of equality, making a
lasting impact in the struggle for civil rights, labor
reform, and women's equality. The Jewish philanthropic
tradition, dating back to ancient times, has flourished
in America, bringing hope and help to those in need
through numerous Jewish charitable organizations and
activities. In public service and education, in science
and medicine, in entertainment, law, the arts, and many
other fields of endeavor, Jewish men and women
strengthen our national community and uphold the
fundamental American ideals of faith, community,
compassion, and responsibility.

Every spring, we set aside this special time to
celebrate the many gifts that American Jews bring to
our national life. This year, we also join with Jews
around the world in celebrating the 50th anniversary of
the founding of the modern state of Israel. This
milestone is a tribute to the strength and resilience
of the Jewish spirit in the face of great adversity.
Israel's achievements in the past 5 decades of
challenge and conflict continue to inspire all
Americans and teach us anew the power of the human
spirit to build reality out of our dreams.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim April 26 through May 3,
1998, as Jewish Heritage Week. I urge all Americans to
observe this week with appropriate programs,
ceremonies, and activities.

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