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Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Dec. 22 3157

Message on the Observance At this joyous season each year, we savor of Eid Al-Fitr, 2000 our treasured : a favorite 22, 2000 ornament placed carefully on the tree, can- dles in the windows, a on the door, On behalf of the American people, it is family and friends gathered to exchange not my honor to congratulate Muslims around only material , but also the gifts of love the world on the occasion of the Eid Al-Fitr. and laughter. But amidst all these traditions, Whether native-born or immigrants from we remember that the true message of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, or Europe, Christmas is in the Child whose birth we cel- Muslims now represent an increasingly im- ebrate—the living proof of God’s mercy and portant element in the tapestry of American unending love. ’s message of renewal society. Because of the growth of in and reconciliation is as fresh and powerful our country, American citizens of all faiths today as it was on that first Christmas two are coming to appreciate the significance of thousand years ago. as Muslims fast, pray, and rededi- For Americans of many faiths, this is a sea- cate themselves to the teachings of the son of renewal—of light shining through the Qur’an. darkness, of despair transformed to hope. United in faith, America’s Muslims are also This year, Christmas is celebrated during the united in their commitment to building a so- same week as Jews celebrate and ciety rich in diversity and grounded in mutual Muslims celebrate the Eid Al-Fitr—a power- respect. I believe America is made stronger ful and moving reminder that followers of by the core values of Islam—commitment to the three Abrahamic faiths share funda- family, compassion for the disadvantaged, mental values: a reverence for our Creator, and respect for difference. a belief in human dignity, and a conviction There is special significance this year as that we must love our neighbors as ourselves. the three Abrahamic faiths all celebrate - By building on these shared values, we can days in the span of the same week. As Jews create a future where all God’s children live celebrate Hanukkah, celebrate together in and understanding. Christmas, and now Muslims celebrate Eid As Hillary, Chelsea, and I enjoy our last Al-Fitr. The Qur’an, the Bible, and the Torah Christmas in the House, we extend all call on believers to love one’s neighbors best wishes to all for a wonderful celebration and to welcome strangers. The Qur’an tells and for peace and happiness in the years to us that we are all People of the Book and come. that we share a common humanity and dig- nity. Bill Clinton As the appearance of the new moon brings to a close this holy month, we all pray that it will usher in a year of reconciliation and Message on the Observance peace. The First Lady and I wish all Muslims of , 2000 a blessed celebration of the Eid Al-Fitr and December 22, 2000 peace, health, and prosperity in the years ahead. Warm greetings to everyone celebrating Eid mubarak. Kwanzaa. One of the best ways we can shape the Bill Clinton future is to preserve what we value of our past. The celebration of Kwanzaa is a won- derful example of this endeavor. With its Message on the Observance focus on the values that have sustained Afri- of Christmas, 2000 can Americans through the centuries—unity, December 22, 2000 self-determination, collective work and re- sponsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, Warm greetings to everyone celebrating creativity, and faith—Kwanzaa also empha- Christmas. sizes the importance of strong families and

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