Washington -- President Clinton received an honorary doctor of philosophy degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in an April 27 ceremony at the White House, celebrating Israel's 50th anniversary.

"President Clinton is a stalwart friend of the State of Israel who has demonstrated his personal commitment and that of his administration to the preservation of its security and welfare," Menachem Magidor, President of the Hebrew University, said before conferring the degree.

"He continues to demonstrate encouragement of the Middle East peace process and offered his own good offices and those of his administration to the furtherance of dialogue between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

"In his aspirations and vision for a peaceful Middle East that will benefit the lives of all its peoples, President Clinton reiterates the hopes of the founders of the Hebrew University who envisioned the institution as a source of knowledge and advancement for all," Magidor stated.

Following is the text of Magidor's remarks:

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The Senate of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem pays tribute to William Jefferson Clinton, President of the United States of America.

As the leader of the world's greatest democracy and most powerful nation, President William Jefferson Clinton of the United States of America has won worldwide admiration and respect for his devotion to the principles of freedom, equality for all people and unflagging devotion to the democratic process.

From an early age, President Clinton displayed the intellect, leadership and determination to make positive contributions to his country and the world. As a young governor of Arkansas at the age of 32, his path of service for the public good was evident. Throughout his career, he has distinguished himself as an energetic visionary dedicated to elevating the lives of his countrymen and of all mankind. His consistent, unflinching concern for the welfare of children, health care and the furtherance of educational opportunities at all levels is an inspiration for all nations.

Under President Clinton's leadership, the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to world peace and has courageously taken the initiative in numerous efforts to promote dialogue toward the resolution of conflicts by peaceful means in many parts of the world. He has simultaneously upheld his country's tradition of compassion by extending humanitarian aid to those in need.

President Clinton is a stalwart friend of the State of Israel who has demonstrated his personal commitment and that of his administration to the preservation of its security and welfare. He continues to demonstrate encouragement of the Middle East peace process and offered his own good offices and those of his administration to the furtherance of dialogue between Israel and its Arab neighbors. In his aspirations and vision for a peaceful Middle East that will benefit the lives of all its peoples, President Clinton reiterates the hopes of the founders of the Hebrew University who envisioned the institution as a source of knowledge and advancement for all.

In light of his dedication to the principles of democracy and human rights and in appreciation of his warm and constant friendship for the people and State of Israel, the Senate of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has resolved to confer on William Jefferson Clinton the degree of Doctor Philosophiae Honoris Causa of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and he is hereby invested with all the dignity and privileges pertaining to the degree of Doctor.

Conferred in Washington, D.C. on this 27th day of April 1998.

Menachem Magidor
President

Menathem Ben-Sasson
Rector

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