World leaders wish Jews a happy new year
U.S. President Barack Obama: „Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are also opportunities for reflection, they represent a chance to take stock of our lives and look forward to the coming year with clear eyes and renewed purpose.”
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U.S. President Barack Obama sends blessings to Israel on the occasion of the Jewish New Year.
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Photo credit: AP
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Leaders in and out of Israel wished Jews a happy Jewish new year on Thursday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended a Rosh Hashana toast with the Israel Defense Forces General Staff Thursday, where he wished „soldiers, commanders and their families a happy, sweet and safe Rosh Hashana.”
Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz released a video in English to mark the new Jewish year. In this video, Gantz recapped the past year, highlighting the ways, both visible and hidden, that „the Israel Defense Forces worked around the clock to protect Israel.” Gantz finished the message wishing the „entire Jewish people in Israel and around the world, a happy new year, shana tova and chag sameach [happy holidays].”
U.S. President Barack Obama also released a Rosh Hashana video on Thursday. „I want to extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating the new year. This is a joyful time for millions of people around the world, but Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are also opportunities for reflection, they represent a chance to take stock of our lives and look forward to the coming year with clear eyes and renewed purpose.” Obama emphasized the Jewish High Holy Days’ message of tolerance and reconciliation. „[First Lady] Michelle and I wish you and your families a sweet year, full of health, happiness and peace, shana tova,” Obama said.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called President Shimon Peres to wish him happy new year. Peres responded by thanking Abbas, and told him that despite the difficulties in the past year, the Israelis and Palestinians should not give up and should continue to pursue peace.
