Jewish Heritage Week, 1997

Proclamation 7001 of May 8, 1997

Jewish Heritage Week, 1997

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The American Jewish community, with its rich and
diverse culture, has served as a continuous source of
ethical and moral values for our great Nation since its
founding. The principles of Jewish heritage--family,
community, faith, and service--parallel the ideals that
inspired our country's founders and that anchor our
modern democracy.

Members of the Jewish faith have long added to
America's cultural life a legacy of law and human
compassion, a struggle for freedom and fairness, and a
love of learning and the arts. Drawing from their proud
heritage, Jewish citizens have made vital contributions
to every sector of society, as scientists and soldiers,
judges and teachers, artists, entrepreneurs, and
philanthropists.

Jewish traditions lend special meaning to the spring
season. The recent celebration of Passover commemorates
the exodus of Jewish slaves from ancient Egypt. The
observance of this religious and historical milestone
also honors the character of the Jewish people, who,
despite continual hardship, clung to their enduring
faith in God and the promise of a brighter future. The
annual spring commemorations of Passover, Holocaust
Memorial Day, and Israel's Independence are occasions
for deep reflection by American Jewry and demonstrate
to all Americans the importance of remembrance, faith,
freedom, and justice.

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 May 11 through May 18, 1997,
as Jewish Heritage Week. I urge all Americans to
observe this week with appropriate programs and to pay
tribute to American Jews for sharing their message of
hope and perseverance with all of us.

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