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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release March 9, 1994

                     MESSAGE BY THE PRESIDENT
       ON THE OCCASION OF THE ISLAMIC HOLIDAY OF ID AL-FITR

My family and I wish to extend our personal greetings to all in the Muslim Community celebrating the Id al-Fitr.

This week marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims in the United States and around the world. A time for rejoicing and celebration, this Id in particular also reminds us of our shared responsibility to work for a better future for all the world's people -- especially in the wake of the Hebron massacre. Let us all rededicate ourselves to realizing this goal in the Middle East and around the world.

In the United States, this is an occasion for us to reflect with pride on the achievements of Muslim Americans and to take satisfaction in the historic and constructive relations which we have had with Muslim countries around the world. Central tenets of the Ramadan fast that is now ending are responsibility for those less fortunate and rededication -- individual by individual -- to the creation of a better community and a better world. These are ideals that stand as beacons for people of all faiths everywhere.

On this occasion, let me convey to you my very best wishes with the traditional greeting: May peace be with you and may God grant you health and prosperity now and in the years ahead.

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