Cameron, Miliband and Clegg wish you a Shana Tova!
David Cameron, Prime Minister
“I want to send my best wishes to everyone in Britain and around the world marking Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
“These High Holy Days give us a chance to look back at the immense contribution Jews make in Britain: excelling in every field, contributing in every community, and living by those values – of decency, tolerance, hard work and responsibility – that are so central to the Jewish faith and to British life.
“They also give us a chance to look forward to a future free from conflict and prejudice. That means lasting peace in the Middle East – a future where families don’t live in fear of rocket attacks. And it means wiping out prejudice in this country, because we will not tolerate anti-Semitism in Britain. I am very clear on this: no disagreements on politics or policy can ever justify racism or extremism in any form.
“Around the world, Britain stands for diversity and cohesiveness. When mosques came under attack in this country, it was the Jewish community who came to their defence. When a synagogue was under threat, it was the Muslim community that raised the funds to save it from closure. This says a lot about who we are in this country – and it’s something we can celebrate and build upon.
“So as we look back and look ahead, let me wish everyone a happy new year. G’mar Tov and Shana Tova.”
Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister
As the High Holy Days start this September, I want to wish everyone celebrating Rosh Hashanah a happy and healthy New Year.
I know that it means different things to different people. For many of you, it means spending time with your family and friends, and promising yourself you’ll do more of that in the year ahead.
And for some, you’ll be looking back at the challenges and achievements of the past year and looking forward to the next with enthusiasm and optimism.
There is no question we are living through challenging times.
I hope that at a time of reflection we can also all use this time to celebrate the ties that bind us; our family, friends and our communities, and look to the future with a sense of hope and goodwill.
Whatever your commitment for the year ahead, I want you to know that the Liberal Democrats and this coalition government are grateful for the difference you make.
Jewish charities and voluntary organisations are admired across the country.
Their many impressive achievements are only made possible by the thousands of people in the Jewish communities who give up their time. So good luck for everything that you do. Tzom kal and shana tova u’metukah.”
Ed Miliband, Leader of the opposition
The period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is the most significant in the Jewish calendar.
At this time of reflection and contemplation, I want to send my good wishes to Jewish communities throughout Britain as we usher in Rosh Hashanah.
The Jewish community’s contribution to Britain is immense, as I have witnessed on visits to synagogues, schools, charities and student organisations.
Time and again, I have been moved by the warmth and energy that is so evident, underpinned by values of personal responsibility and communal solidarity – values that I believe should be at the heart of British society.
In recent weeks, a sharp rise in anti- Semitic attacks on the streets of Britain has caused deep anxiety within the community.
I not only condemn such behaviour, but have asked colleagues to ensure the police and councils are working together to ensure Jewish communities throughout Britain feel safe wherever they live.
Anti-Semitism, like any other form of racism, has no place in our country.
I hope that this Rosh Hashanah you will be inscribed in the Book of Life and a new year can bring peace to all parts of the world.
I wish you well over the fast and a happy, sweet New Year.
Shana tova.
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