Jewish Heritage Week, 2002

Proclamation 7541 of April 12, 2002

Jewish Heritage Week, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Throughout our Nation's history, America has benefited
from a greatly diverse population, comprising a vibrant
mix of ideas, religions, national origins, and ethnic
backgrounds. And from this mix, we have inherited a
Nation based on democratic principles, free enterprise,
and the freedom to pursue a better way of life.

Jewish Americans have played an important part in the
success of the American experience. They have dedicated
themselves to the challenges of building a better
America; and their patriotism, hard work, and faithful
commitment to community and family have enriched our
culture and improved our country.

Since our Nation's founding, millions of Jews have
immigrated to America, embracing the promise of
opportunity and tolerance that forms the heart of the
American dream. Jews fled persecution, pogroms, and the
horrors of deadly prejudice to begin new lives where
they could worship in freedom, prosper in society, and
realize their dreams in peace. They also brought with
them a spirit of faith and a strong work ethic that
enhanced our culture and promoted national prosperity.

The Jewish community in America has helped shape our
Nation's heritage and further our efforts toward
building a land where all people can live free and be
treated equally under the law. As entrepreneurs and
public servants, scholars and philanthropists, and
countless other callings, Jewish Americans have
provided wisdom, energy, and leadership wherever they
settled and in whatever calling they followed.

During the early days of our Republic, President George
Washington wrote to the Hebrew congregations of
Philadelphia, New York, Charleston, and Richmond, to
say that ``The power and goodness of the Almighty were
strongly manifested in the events of the late glorious
revolution: and His kind interposition in our behalf,
has been no less visible in the establishment of our
present equal government. In war He directed the sword,
and in peace He has ruled in our councils.'' President
Washington's message is equally applicable today, as we
engage in our war against terrorism and work to
establish a lasting peace in the Middle East.

In celebrating Jewish Heritage Week, we reflect with
joy upon the many contributions Jewish Americans have
made to the arts, education, industry, science, and our
very way of life. The values and traditions of Judaism
have contributed greatly to our culture and history;
and they have played a major role in the success of our
great Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 14 through 21, 2002,
as Jewish Heritage Week. I urge all Americans to learn
about the history of Jewish Americans and to
participate in activities that highlight the
accomplishments of these citizens.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twelfth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

(Presidential Sig.)B