[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
[September 5, 1994]
[Pages 1519-1520]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Observance of Rosh Hashana, 1994
September 5, 1994

    Warm greetings to all who are celebrating Rosh Hashana in this 
promising year of renewal.
    The high holidays, the most solemn and hallowed days of the Hebrew 
calendar, mark the beginning of a new year. Jews around the world pause 
to reassess their lives and their relationships with others and with 
God. Most important, Rosh Hashana celebrates change--bidding farewell to 
an old year and welcoming the new.

[[Page 1520]]

    During last year's high holy days, the world rejoiced as Prime 
Minister Rabin and Chairman Arafat took the first brave steps toward 
peace in the Middle East. This year, in the same courageous spirit, we 
have seen new, bold steps in the peace process. Together, we watched the 
determined leaders of Israel and Jordan turn away from the sorrow of 
generations of hostility, blood, and tears to embrace the promises of 
hope and prosperity.

    As the shofar sounds this Rosh Hashana, let it be a summons to build 
on this long anticipated foundation--a summons to nourish the seeds of 
peace that have finally been planted on both sides of the River Jordan.

    Best wishes to all for a joyous Rosh Hashana and a peaceful new 
year.

Note: A message identical to this statement was also made available by 
the White House. Rosh Hashana was observed on September 6.