Adapted from excerpts of the Jewish Heritage Week proclamations from President William J. Clinton, 2002, and President George W. Bush, 2003 and 2004.

Jewish Heritage Week, May 8 – 14, 2005, commemorates the rich history of the Jewish people and the many contributions Jewish Americans have made to our Nation. The Jewish people began their search for freedom more than 3,300 years ago. From the struggle of the Exodus, to the miracle of the Maccabees, to the horrors of the Holocaust, to the creation of the democratic State of Israel, Jews have faced and survived many challenges. Jews draw on their faith to provide hope for the future.  They proved that even when faced with challenges to liberty and even life, it is possible to not merely survive, but to thrive beyond expectation.

In a country which this year reached its 229th birthday, the Jewish community marks its 351st anniversary of the first permanent Jewish settlement in North America, in what is known today as New York. We honor the courage and perseverance of these Jewish immigrants and their descendants, and we celebrate their steadfast dedication to the ideals that have made America strong. They bring to our Nation a rich heritage that recognizes the dignity of every citizen and the possibilities within every human life.

From science and the arts to business and law; as teachers, physicians, journalists, judges, musicians, and policy-makers; from neighborhood stores to the corridors of Congress; from the Armed Forces to the Supreme Court, generations of American Jews have succeeded in every sector of our society. And the rewards of that success are shared by us all. Our Nation has benefited immeasurably from the character, values, and achievements of our Jewish citizens.

Their commitment to religious freedom, respect for diversity, and belief in democracy has helped make America a better place.  It is the inheritance of these precious values which drive our efforts today to support others in their fight for freedom around the world. 

During this historic time, we are particularly grateful for the many Jewish Americans who serve in our military. Their efforts and example help advance the cause of freedom and provide hope for people around the world.

During Jewish Heritage Week, let us acknowledge and give thanks for the many contributions that Jews have brought to our national life and character, and let us celebrate the rich religious and ethnic threads that Jewish men and women have woven into the tapestry that is America