World news story

Rosh Hashana 2015: Message from the Prime Minister

“I wish everyone a very sweet new year. Shana Tova.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron

Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“I want to send my very best wishes to everyone in the Jewish community here in Britain and around the world as you celebrate this New Year.

“The high holy days offer moments to reflect as a community on the year that has passed and to make plans for the year ahead.

“I deeply admire the way Jewish communities emphasise their responsibility for creating a better, fairer society for everyone. This is one of the reasons the community has made such an immeasurable contribution to all areas of British life.

“As Jewish communities unite in prayer across the world, thoughts will turn to the tragic loss of life that we have seen following a number of horrific and abhorrent anti-Semitic attacks over the past year. Jewish communities must not be left to live in fear. As Prime Minister I will do everything I can to stamp out such hatred now and in the future.

“And I will stand by Britain’s promise to remember the Holocaust. The UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation which I set up with cross party support is already undertaking urgent work to capture the testimony of British holocaust survivors and to ensure that the lessons of the darkest chapter of our history are never forgotten.

“There is no more important task than working together to create a world free from prejudice and hate in all its forms.

“I wish everyone a very sweet new year. Shana Tova and a ketivah v’chatima tovah.”

Published 11 September 2015