[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 16 (Monday, April 22, 2002)]
[Pages 626-627]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7541--Jewish Heritage Week, 2002

 April 12, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Throughout our Nation's history, America has benefited from a 
greatly diverse population, comprising a vibrant mix of ideas, 
religions, national origins, and ethnic backgrounds. And from this mix, 
we have inherited a Nation based on democratic principles, free 
enterprise, and the freedom to pursue a better way of life.
    Jewish Americans have played an important part in the success of the 
American experience. They have dedicated themselves to the challenges of 
building a better America; and their patriotism, hard work, and faithful 
commitment to community and family have enriched our culture and 
improved our country.
    Since our Nation's founding, millions of Jews have immigrated to 
America, embracing the promise of opportunity and tolerance that forms 
the heart of the American dream. Jews fled persecution, pogroms, and the 
horrors of deadly prejudice to begin new lives where they could worship 
in freedom, prosper in society, and realize their dreams in peace. They 
also brought with them a spirit of faith and a strong work ethic that 
enhanced our culture and promoted national prosperity.
    The Jewish community in America has helped shape our Nation's 
heritage and further our efforts toward building a land where all people 
can live free and be treated equally under the law. As entrepreneurs and 
public servants, scholars and philanthropists, and countless other 
callings, Jewish Americans have provided wisdom, energy, and leadership 
wherever they settled and in whatever calling they followed.
    During the early days of our Republic, President George Washington 
wrote to the Hebrew congregations of Philadelphia, New York, Charleston, 
and Richmond, to say that ``The power and goodness of the Almighty were 
strongly manifested in the events of the late glorious revolution: and 
His kind interposition in our behalf, has been no less visible in the 
establishment of our present equal government. In war He directed the 
sword, and in peace He has ruled in our councils.'' President 
Washington's message is equally applicable today, as we engage in our 
war against terrorism and work to establish a lasting peace in the 
Middle East.
    In celebrating Jewish Heritage Week, we reflect with joy upon the 
many contributions Jewish Americans have made to the arts, education, 
industry, science, and our very way of life. The values and traditions 
of Judaism have contributed greatly to our culture and history; and they 
have played a major role in the success of our great Nation.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, 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 14 through 21, 2002, 
as Jewish Heritage Week. I urge all Americans to learn about the history 
of Jewish Americans and to participate in activities that highlight the 
accomplishments of these citizens.

[[Page 627]]

    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of 
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., April 16, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
17. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.