[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 51 (Monday, December 25, 2000)]
[Page 3156]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Message on the Observance of Hanukkah, 2000

December 21, 2000

    Warm greetings to everyone celebrating Hanukkah.
    Every year during the month of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar, Jews 
around the world celebrate the Festival of Lights. They remember with 
sorrow the desecration of the Holy Temple, with pride the triumph of the 
Maccabees over the forces of oppression, and with a renewed faith in 
God's providence the miracle of a day's worth of oil burning for eight 
straight days--a miracle commemorated by lighting the candles of the 
menorah.
    This year, Hanukkah is celebrated during the same week Christians 
celebrate Christmas and Muslims celebrate the Eid Al-Fitr. The 
coinciding of these special days, sacred to followers of the world's 
three Abrahamic faiths, serves as a powerful reminder of the fundamental 
values we share: a reverence for our Creator, a belief in human dignity, 
and a conviction that we must love our neighbors as ourselves. These 
ancient lessons still hold great meaning for us today, as the global 
community grows ever closer and American society becomes increasingly 
diverse. By taking them to heart at this blessed season, we can build a 
future where we respect one another's differences, embrace our shared 
values, and where all God's children live together in peace.
    Hillary joins me in extending best wishes to all for a joyous 
Hanukkah celebration.
                                                  Bill Clinton