PM Netanyahu's Rosh Hashana Greeting to the Diaspora Communities

Dear Friends,

As Jewish communities around the world celebrate Rosh Hashana 5770, I want to wish you all a Shana Tova from Jerusalem, the eternal undivided capital of the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

Rosh Hashana offers all of us an opportunity not only to take stock of the past year but also to focus our hopes and prayers on the year ahead.

Much has changed in the past year. Last year, Israeli cities were relentlessly rocketed by Iranian- backed Hamas terrorists, and our economy, like many of those around the world, was heading into a severe recession. Today, the residents of the South are enjoying a period of calm they have not experienced for many years, and the economy has begun to show signs of a recovery.

While only five months in office, our national unity government has already forged a broad economic coalition of government, business and labor to pass an unprecedented two-year budget and an historic land reform that will significantly boost economic growth for years to come.

But there is much work to be done. We must continue to safeguard our national security against the considerable threats still facing us. We must restore robust economic growth, improve education in our schools and clamp down on crime in our streets. And we must advance a responsible peace process with the goal of forging an historic peace with our neighbors.

Above all, we must remain united. Our national unity government has given expression to the broad consensus that exists in this country. While national unity is always an important asset, in challenging times it is indispensable. That is why in the years ahead, while we work to achieve
our ambitious goals, I will do everything in my power to unite our people.

This unity is necessary both inside and outside of Israel. The bonds between Israel and Diaspora Jewish communities throughout the world are a tremendous source of strength, and I will work to strengthen those bonds in the years ahead.

May you all be inscribed in the Book of Life, and may our people enjoy a year of security, prosperity and peace.