Happy Rosh HaShanah

Statement

Dear Friends,

As daylight wanes and nighttime slowly sets in this Sunday evening, so sets the sun on the year 5772 - and in the new dawn arises 5773. Jews in America, and around the world, will gather with friends and family to welcome in Rosh HaShanah - the Jewish New Year. They will commemorate the anniversary of God's creation of the universe and of humankind, and they will give thanks to God for this miraculous gift of life. They will gather together and remember the moments of another year that has passed -- those moments of joy and of sorrow; the moments of new beginnings and new directions; of trials and tribulations -- and they will look forward to the year to come with enthusiasm and promise as they wish each other a new year of health, happiness and success.

And in transitioning into a new year, everyone recognizes that they are a year older; that they have another year's worth of experience, and that this experience has made them a year wiser. But everyone also recognizes that there are still evil forces in this world that continue to be intent on bringing harm to America, and Israel, and these forces too have another year of experience.

In the last year, we have seen Iran accelerate its pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities, and a Middle East mired in conflict and instability. The United States Congress has passed, and the president signed into law, stronger sanctions on the Iranian regime with the hope of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran. However, Tehran continues upon its dangerous policies posing a grave threat to the U.S., Israel and global peace and security. The United States and other responsible nations will ultimately be judged by whether or not we can stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapons capability.

So while the Jewish people pray for forgiveness this Rosh HaShanah, let us all pray for peace and security for the United States, and for the State of Israel, as we face an uncertain future together in the face of the persistent threats from Iran, Syria and their allies. These threats against the Jewish homeland are real and we must all pray for a lasting peace not just for the upcoming year, but well into the future. And in the new dawn of 5773, America must extend a renewed commitment to always stand with our true ally in the Middle East: Israel.

And so, to all of my Jewish friends, I would like to say: "L'Shana Tovah U'Metukah."

May this year be a sweet and happy year, filled with joy, peace, health and prosperity. And may your names be inscribed in the Book of Life.

Sincerely,

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Member of Congress

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