    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [December 18, 1997]
    [Pages 1797-1798]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Hanukkah, 1997
    December 18, 1997

        Warm greetings to everyone celebrating Hanukkah.
        The Festival of Lights is a powerful reminder each year that the
    age-old struggle for religious freedom is not yet over. From the days of
    the ancient Maccabees down to our present time, tyrants have sought to
    deny people the free expression of their faith and the right to live
    according to their own conscience and convictions. Hanukkah symbolizes
    the heroic struggle of all

    [[Page 1798]]

    who seek to defeat such oppression and the miracles that come to those
    full of faith and courage. This holiday holds special meaning for us in
    America, where freedom of religion is one of the cornerstones of our
    democracy.
        The coming year will mark the 50th anniversary of the State of
    Israel, where the story of the first Hanukkah took place so many
    centuries ago. As families come together in prayer for the eight nights
    of Hanukkah, to reaffirm their hope in God and their gratitude for His
    faithfulness to His people, may the candles of the menorah light our way
    to a true and lasting peace for the people of the Middle East.
        Hillary and I extend our warmest wishes to all those celebrating
    Hanukkah, all those who work for religious freedom, and all those who
    devote themselves to the cause of peace throughout the world.

                                                                Bill Clinton