Press Release - Congresswoman McCarthy Statement on High Holidays

Congresswoman McCarthy Statement on High Holidays
Friday September 22, 2006

"I would like to extend Holiday wishes to you and your family as we start celebrating the High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time of family gatherings, special meals and sweet tasting foods. We look back at the past year and plan ahead for the new year.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the most solemn day of the Jewish year, is a day of fasting, reflection and prayers. It allows a chance to ask forgiveness for sins through prayer and fast.

During the High Holidays we should also remember our only ally in the Middle East, Israel. America must stand by Israel in its own war on terror and we must wholeheartedly support the state of Israel's right to defend itself from terrorists.

During the past decade, Israel has gone above and beyond in their efforts to foster a lasting peace in the Middle East. Israelis have suffered great sacrifice in their efforts to simply co-exist with their neighbors. For example, Israel withdrew its troops from Southern Lebanon in 2000, despite the constant threat of attack that was realized this summer.

Regardless of our religious beliefs, the people of Israel should be included in our prayers during this critical time in their nation's history. There is still much work to be done, but I am hopeful that one day Israelis will be able to live in peace, free from the threat of terrorism.

Once again, I wish you and your family a happy New Year, L'Shana Tova."

http://carolynmccarthy.house.gov/index.cfm?ContentID=623&ParentID=0&SectionID=32&SectionTree=32&lnk=b&ItemID=613