[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 17 (Monday, April 27, 1998)]
[Pages 706-707]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7087--Jewish Heritage Week, 1998

April 24, 1998

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    America's first Jewish immigrants arrived on our shores from Europe 
more than 100 years before the American Revolution. In subsequent 
decades, millions more Jewish men and women would follow, fleeing 
persecution, pogroms, and the horrors of the Holocaust, seeking a new 
life of freedom and opportunity for themselves and their children. While 
many came here in poverty, they brought with them the riches of their 
ancient Jewish heritage: faith in God; a strong commitment to family and 
community; a tradition of service to others; and a deep love of learning 
and the arts.
    Drawing on these many strengths, Jewish citizens have made 
extraordinary contributions to every aspect of American life. Acutely 
conscious of the dangers of racism, prejudice, and political oppression, 
American Jews have been strong and effective advocates in the cause of 
social justice. They have dedicated their energies, talents, and 
resources

[[Page 707]]

to ensure that our Nation lives up to its promise of equality, making a 
lasting impact in the struggle for civil rights, labor reform, and 
women's equality. The Jewish philanthropic tradition, dating back to 
ancient times, has flourished in America, bringing hope and help to 
those in need through numerous Jewish charitable organizations and 
activities. In public service and education, in science and medicine, in 
entertainment, law, the arts, and many other fields of endeavor, Jewish 
men and women strengthen our national community and uphold the 
fundamental American ideals of faith, community, compassion, and 
responsibility.
    Every spring, we set aside this special time to celebrate the many 
gifts that American Jews bring to our national life. This year, we also 
join with Jews around the world in celebrating the 50th anniversary of 
the founding of the modern state of Israel. This milestone is a tribute 
to the strength and resilience of the Jewish spirit in the face of great 
adversity. Israel's achievements in the past 5 decades of challenge and 
conflict continue to inspire all Americans and teach us anew the power 
of the human spirit to build reality out of our dreams.
    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 April 26 
through May 3, 1998, as Jewish Heritage Week. I urge all Americans to 
observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth 
day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and twenty-second.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., April 28, 
1998]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
April 29.