American Jewish Committee Commends President Clinton For State Of The Union Address

American Jewish Committee
Wednesday, 28 January 1998

The American Jewish Committee today sent a letter to President Clinton to commend him on an "eloquent State of the Union message," and to express particular gratification for the President's statements concerning Iraq, NATO expansion, and America's commitment to improved education.

The letter, signed by AJC President Robert S. Rifkind and Executive Director David A. Harris reads, in part:

"...we are gratified by the reiteration of your firm stand against Iraq's desire to acquire and use weapons of mass destruction. We stand in complete solidarity with you when you say to Saddam Hussein that he cannot and will not 'defy the will of the world.'

"We are also heartened to hear that you will soon be asking the Senate to include Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic into the family of NATO members. As we stated before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the American Jewish Committee strongly supports such expansion, believing that an enlarged NATO will mean greater international security and stability and also hasten the political and economic integration of Europe.

"Further, we applaud your pledge to continue to work toward a society where all individuals, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity, can share equally in the American dream. A large part of that effort is witnessed in the high emphasis you place on quality education for all. Your proposals, including important financial incentives to allow all Americans who wish to attend college to do so, will go a long way in changing the face of our nation in the years to come.

"As you noted, there is much work left to do to before we truly 'form a more perfect union.' For its part, the American Jewish Committee re-commits itself to working with you in helping America move forward into a more hopeful, peaceful and prosperous twenty-first century."

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org