[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 74 (Wednesday, April 17, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 19099-19100]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-9607]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 74 / Wednesday, April 17, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 19099]]


                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.

[[Page 19100]]

                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

[FR Doc. 02-9607
Filed 4-16-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P