Happy new year from Canberra
THE Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition took time out of their last minute bids to form a government this week to wish Australian Jewry a happy new year.
THE Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition took time out of their last minute bids to form a government this week to wish Australian Jewry a happy new year.
Just hours before a deal with the independents secured her premiership, Julia Gillard sent a greeting to The AJN in which she said, “I offer my warmest, best wishes to the Australian Jewish community as you gather in prayer and celebration for the festival of Rosh Hashanah. This ancient and solemn event is a precious opportunity to reflect on the past and prepare for the year ahead — a year of hoped-for sweetness and success. I hope that all Australians who treasure their Jewish heritage will be strengthened in their sense of identity through the observance of Rosh Hashanah.
Gillard added, “Equally, I hope that the wider Australian community will develop a deeper understanding of Jewish culture and renew our shared commitment to security, dignity and respect for every culture. As a firm friend of the Jewish community, I wish you leshanah tovah and look forward to continuing our longstanding and fruitful partnership.”
The sentiment was echoed by Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, who said, “It gives me great pleasure to send New Year greetings to the many readers of The Australian Jewish News. New Year, in any religion, provides a chance to come together as a community and reflect on the time that has passed while looking forward with confidence to the future. The Australian Jewish News has a long history and a fine record of service to the broader Jewish community in Australia. Your paper continues to touch the lives of many. Please accept my best wishes for enjoyable Rosh Hashanah celebrations and a healthy and prosperous year ahead for you and your readers.”
PHOTO: Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Photo: Ben Weinstein
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