[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