Washington, D.C. - I am honored to wish the Jewish community here and throughout the world peace, health, happiness, and prosperity in the New Year.
Rosh Hashanah is a time of spiritual renewal through prayer and personal contemplation. It is also an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, to reflect upon the year that has passed, and to dedicate ourselves to make the next year better. As we begin the year 5765, we strive to be more patient, compassionate, honest, and benevolent.
However, even the celebration of these High Holy Days cannot shield us from issues and events that can divert us from the important work of personal change. We continually witness violence in the Middle East that makes peace and prosperity seem like mirages, perpetually out of reach.
It was David Ben-Gurion who described Israel as “a small nation that has suffered much, but at the same time has won for itself a special place in the history for mankind because of its spirit, faith and vision.”
Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, stands as a symbol of Jewish hope and survival that dates back more than 5,000 years. That is why we must work and pray for Israel’s freedom, security, peace, and prosperity -- ideals to which all nations are entitled. In Israel, those ideals are strengthened by the bond of friendship between the United States and Israel.
It is important that the United States always stand with Israel. Our nations share a common history - two nations founded on the beliefs in liberty and justice by people in search of a brighter future.
As we celebrate this New Year, may we all experience peace and happiness, in our communities and around the world.