World's leaders greet Jews ahead of Rosh Hashana
In anticipation of the Jewish new year, US President Donald Trump says 'The Jewish people endured and overcome unthinkable persecution and suffering. Yet, despite challenges they have saved, their strength and perseverance continue to inspire us all,' while Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wishes all his 'Jewish compatriots and Jews worldwide a very Happy New Year.'
US President Donald Trump posted on his Twitter page his greeting for the Jewish new year, expressing his deep appreciation for the Jewish people.
"Melania and I wish all Jewish people Shana Tova and send our warmest greetings to those celebrating Rosh Hashana and the start of the High Holy Days.
Rosh Hashana is the beginning of the new year in the Jewish faith. Far and wide, the trumpet of the shofar signals both a time of reflection and repentance. Along with devout prayer and fellowship, Jews worldwide will practice teshuva during the Ten Days of Repentance to deepen their relationship with God.
Today, we reflect on the importance of religious liberty and ask that the Almighty bless Jewish families, both in the United States and around the world. The Jewish people have endured and overcome unthinkable persecution and suffering. Yet, despite the challenges they have saved, their strength and perseverance continue to inspire us all.
"Melania and I pray that the High Holy Days are filled with God's peace, love, and mercy. We wish a blessed and happy New Year to all those observing Rosh Hashana," the US president concluded.
Senior White House advisor and the US president's daughter Ivanka Trump also sent her best wishes for the Jewish new year.
"Happy New Year to Jewish people all over the world! Shana tova u’metuka!" she tweeted.
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif joined the warm greetings tweeting, "As the sun gives way to the moon, I wish all my Jewish compatriots and Jews worldwide a very Happy New Year filled with peace and harmony. Happy Rosh Hashanah."
French President Emmanuel Macron former president Nicolas Sarkozy attended Thursday the traditional Rosh Hashana ceremony in the Grand Synagogue of Paris.
Macron is the first president ever to attend a Rosh Hashana ceremony while in office.
He was welcome by the heads of the French Jewish community. Macron did not speak during the ceremony due to separation between religion and state in France.
British premier Theresa May posted her wishes in anticipation of the Jewish holiday during the weekend.
"I would like to wish Jewish people across the United Kingdom and around the world a happy, peaceful and prosperous Rosh Hashana. As the Jewish New Year begins, I want to renew my unwavering vow to stand by our Jewish community now and for the years to come," the British leader tweeted.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin met—as he meets every year—with Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar and released his official new year's message.
"The president sends his best wishes to the Jewish community in Russia as we approach the holiest of days in the Jewish calendar.
"Rosh Hashana symbolizes for the Jews moral purification. These days they are conducting soul-searching, looking back at the past year and making plans for the future," Putin wrote.
Russia's president praised the Jewish religious organizations in Russia saying, "They are fulfilling an active part in the Russian society while being prominent in charity activities, leading educational projects and instilling their ancestral ancient spiritual tradition.
"The Jewish community contributes immensely to expanding the discourse between religions. I wish you good health, happiness, wealth and a happy holiday," Russia's leader concluded.
