    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [April 3, 1996]
    [Page 543]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Passover, 1996
    April 3, 1996

        Warm greetings to all who are celebrating Passover.
        This festival chronicles God's deliverance of the Israelites from
    their bondage in Egypt. With faith and determination, these courageous
    people sought liberation from slavery and a path to freedom. Although
    their journey was long and fraught with peril, the children of Israel
    reached the Promised Land to rebuild their communities in the sweet air
    of freedom.
        More than three millenia later, Jews across America and around the
    world gather during Passover to commemorate this epic journey. The
    holiday seder itself is rich with symbols--of the suffering endured by
    the Israelites in Egypt, the difficulties encountered during their
    exodus, and their unquenchable hope for the future. And throughout this
    ritual meal, unifying and sanctifying it, prayers are recited in praise
    of God and in gratitude for His intervention in the struggle of the
    Israelites.
        This year Passover has fresh meaning for us. The seder's bitter
    herbs and salt water remind us of our sorrow at the death of Yitzhak
    Rabin and the loss of so many innocents to the evil of terrorism. But as
    this harsh winter ends, we remember as well that God still lights our
    path and that, with courage and hope, the best in human nature will
    still prevail.
        Hillary and I extend warm wishes for a memorable Passover.

                                                                Bill Clinton