THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
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For Immediate Release December 21, 2000
HANUKKAH 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.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
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