[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 19 (Monday, May 12, 1997)]
[Pages 686-687]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7001--Jewish Heritage Week, 1997

May 8, 1997

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The American Jewish community, with its rich and diverse culture, 
has served as a continuous source of ethical and moral values for our 
great Nation since its founding. The principles of Jewish heritage--
family, community, faith, and service--parallel the ideals that inspired 
our country's founders and that anchor our modern democracy.
    Members of the Jewish faith have long added to America's cultural 
life a legacy of law and human compassion, a struggle for freedom and 
fairness, and a love of learning and the arts. Drawing from their proud 
heritage, Jewish citizens have made vital contributions to every sector 
of society, as scientists and soldiers, judges and teachers, artists, 
entrepreneurs, and philanthropists.
    Jewish traditions lend special meaning to the spring season. The 
recent celebration of Passover commemorates the exodus of Jew

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ish slaves from ancient Egypt. The observance of this religious and 
historical milestone also honors the character of the Jewish people, 
who, despite continual hardship, clung to their enduring faith in God 
and the promise of a brighter future. The annual spring commemorations 
of Passover, Holocaust Memorial Day, and Israel's Independence are 
occasions for deep reflection by American Jewry and demonstrate to all 
Americans the importance of remembrance, faith, freedom, and justice.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, 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 May 11 
through May 18, 1997, as Jewish Heritage Week. I urge all Americans to 
observe this week with appropriate programs and to pay tribute to 
American Jews for sharing their message of hope and perseverance with 
all of us.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of 
May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-first.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:48 a.m., May 9, 1997]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 12.