Speech at American Jewish Committee
(May 13, 1976)
Thank you very, very much, Max, Mr. Winter, Your Excellencies,
Members of the Congress, my associates in the executive branch of the
Government, ladies and gentlemen:
May I express to you, Max, my deep appreciation for
your very generous and kind remarks, and I hope and trust that I will
have an opportunity for a long, long time to justify that faith. I thank
you very, very much.
I am really highly honored and greatly indebted to
all of you to participate in the congratulations of the American Jewish
Committee on its 70th anniversary.
As the Committee today celebrates its anniversary,
we, all of us, are observing our Bicentennial. The Bicentennial rightfully
addresses the Jewish contribution to America, along with other vital
ingredients of our nationhood. The traditional Jewish concepts of justice,
liberty, family, and citizenship are part and parcel of the American
heritage.
When America's founders created this Republic 200 years
ago, they saw it as a promised land. They were inspired by moral and
ethical values of the Old Testament as well as by the teachings of Jesus.
As we reaffirm America's traditional separation of church from state,
we also honor the spirit of our Constitution which draws its moral philosophy
from the Jewish-Christian heritage. Religious values are the foundation
of the promise of America: the infinite value we place on each individual,
the sanctity of human dignity, the commitment to human rights, and the
firm belief in justice for all.
America has grown great because America has the wisdom
to invite diversity. Judaism and all other of our religions helped translate
the basic credoes of religious faith into the principles and into rules
that govern our daily lives. I am tonight especially mindful of the
unique blending of the Jewish heritage with the multitude. of diverse
cultures of our country. I commend the work of the American Jewish Committee
and the spirit with which you have translated Jewish concerns into concern
for all humanity. We are proud to have an agency of the American Jewish
Committee co-sponsor a White House meeting on ethnic diversity and group
identity next month.
When 6 million Jews were so cruelly murdered in World
War II, the victim was not only the Jewish people but civilization itself.
On my visit to the notorious Auschwitz concentration camp last summer,
I saw the words vividly written, "never again." This must
apply to all genocide--either physical or cultural.
The United States stands by the fundamental humanitarian
principle that people should be free to emigrate as they choose. A few
years ago, we achieved a substantial increase in emigration from the
Soviet Union. I will do my utmost to restore this emigration. It will
be a complex problem and process in which the Congress and I, on this
case, will have to work very, very closely together. But the doors were
open before, and we must strive to reopen them now for the future.
The realization of our mutual goals--advancement of
political and spiritual freedom of all people--is a priority item on
America's conscience. The proclamation of liberty must be written not
only in our Declaration of Independence but in our hearts. Yet, just
as you cannot do all that must be done, neither can your government.
Together, we must have a creative partnership--voluntary efforts such
as those performed so brilliantly by the American Jewish Committee,
combined with Federal and local authority and the willingness to, act,
to preserve, and to extend the values that we all share.
Two hundred years ago, there were relatively few Jews
in America. Though small in number, they were great in spirit. They
served in all capacities. George Washington turned to one patriot of
Jewish faith, Haym Salomon, when the budget of the Continental Army
was totally depleted. Salomon sacrificed his personal fortune and encouraged
others to join in financing the American Revolution. In pursuing justice
and liberty, he personified the finest qualities of American patriotism.
In those early, early days, we benefited not only from
our own patriots but from outside assistance to establish and to maintain
our independence. Today, the American people, regardless of religion,
see justice in this Nation's traditional and special relationship to
a kindred nation in the Middle East--the State of Israel.
Most of you know, I am sure, the first head of a foreign
government to visit the White House in this Bicentennial Year was Prime
Minister Rabin of Israel. He paid homage to the shrine of our freedom
in Philadelphia before he came to our Nation's Capital.
The Israelis' tribute to our Bicentennial demonstrates
the basic values shared by America with Israel. Both nations were born
in the face of armed opposition. Both nations are a haven for people
fleeing persecution. Both nations find their vitality and their vision
in a commitment to freedom and to democracy. Both nations share the
courage and the determination to preserve their independence and their
security.
Israel and the United States have an affinity not only
for each other but for basic principles of democratic self-government
which distinguish these two nations from most other nations in today's
world. America must and America will pursue friendship with all nations,
but this will never be done at the expense of America's commitment to
Israel.
A strong Israel is essential to a stable peace in the
Middle East. Our commitment to Israel will meet the test of American
steadfastness and resolve. My administration will not be found wanting.
The United States will continue to help Israel provide for her security.
The funds which I have proposed to the Congress for
the two budgets that I have submitted total over $4 billion. I favor
such aid because it is so clearly in the national security interest
of the United States and so essential to preserve and to promote peace
in the Middle East. These figures speak far more eloquently than any
words of my commitment to the survival and security of Israel.
It is essential that we remain true to our commitments,
not only for ourselves but for all those who rely upon us. We must never
lose the vision that has made our country a beacon to all who seek freedom.
But our strength and our goals are to no avail if we lack the courage,
the unity, and the will to utilize our strength in support of our friends.
Without cohesiveness of purpose at home, our friends cannot really be
protected nor our opponents long dissuaded from aggressive actions.
My dedication to Israel's future goes beyond its military
needs to a far, far higher priority--the need for peace. We appreciate
Israel's dilemma in moving toward peace. Israel is asked to relinquish
territory--a concrete and essentially irreversible step--in return for
basically intangible political measures. But it is only in willingness
to dare to exchange the tangible for the intangible that hostility can
be ended and peace attained.
I am very, very proud that my administration--that
during this administration, I should say--the United States has seen
a major and a very successful movement toward peace, prosperity, and
trust abroad, as well as at home. Last September's Sinai agreement was
a milestone on the road to peace that would have been inconceivable
just a few years ago. I commend and I thank Israel's bold and courageous
decision. Israelis and Egyptians are no longer dying in the sands of
the Sinai Peninsula.
The peace process must continue without one-sided concessions,
but with steady progress. Stalemate, stagnation create unacceptable
risks of further conflict. The United States is dedicated to a just
and lasting peace in the Middle East. We have worked over years unceasingly
to that end; we shall continue to do so. Yet, in the final analysis,
it is the parties to the dispute who must make peace a reality.
The responsibility to achieve that peace exists equally
on all parties who must contribute, each in full measure, to the peacemaking
process. America's responsibility is to encourage both sides to end
the state of war that has for far too long plagued the Middle East and
threatened world peace. The 1973 war has had dangerous political and
economic repercussions throughout the world. It caused strains on our
alliances and near-confrontation with one of our adversaries. The resulting
oil embargo and drastic and unwarranted oil price increases caused severe
problems of recession as well as inflation.
I will continue, as all of my former colleagues in
the Congress will do so, to work for peace in the Middle East. This
is not only for the sake of the Israeli and Arab peoples but for the
wall-being of all Americans and all humanity. The United States has
demonstrated the strength of our free economy, as well as our faith
and vision of the future. These qualities are characteristics of a kindred
people, the people of Israel. Americans and Israelis have both been
inspired by moral aims. Indeed, my commitment to the security and to
the future of Israel is based upon basic morality as well as enlightened
self-interest. Our role in supporting Israel honors our own heritage.
America remains the real hope for freedom throughout
the world. We will remain the ultimate guarantor of Israel's freedom.
If we falter, there is no one to pick up the torch. If we withdraw ourselves,
those who rely on the United States, those who gain their strength from
us, are lost.
But we will not falter; we will not withdraw. We will
remain steadfast in our dedication to peace and to the survival of Israel.
There may at times be differences between America and Israel over the
means to achieve mutual goals. But there has not and will not be any
erosion of the fundamental American-Israeli friendship, nor will I forsake
the goal of peace or the moral commitment to Israel which now I reaffirm.
With that conviction, I tonight reiterate the words of George Washington
to the Hebrew congregation of Newport, Rhode Island, two centuries ago.
The Government of the United States will continue "to give to bigotry
no sanction, to persecution, no assistance." That is my goal worldwide,
as it is at home.
Thank you very, very much.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |