Dear Friends,
I am sending you these greetings as we mark the end of a tragic year for our people. As all of us are well aware, last Simchat Torah more Jews were killed in a single day than at any time since the Holocaust. Manifestations of antisemitism and anti-Zionism have risen greatly around the world in the wake of the terrible atrocities of October 7th. Our hearts were broken, once again, at the recent news of the execution of six of the hostages being held by Hamas.
Yet, even when confronted with catastrophe, we are a people that historically has never given in to despair — we are a people of hope.
We hope and pray that next year, 5785, will bring freedom for all the hostages, an end to the war and to all the threats facing the Jewish State, and the return to their homes of all the evacuees in Israel.
We hope and pray that Jews around the world can live Jewish lives without fear for their safety or well-being.
We hope and pray for unity among the Jewish people.
More than ever, we hope and pray for the fulfilment of one of the verses recited on Rosh Hashanah: “May the outgoing year and its curses end; may the new year and its blessings begin.”
I wish you and your loved ones a Shana Tova—a healthy and meaningful New Year 5785.
Ronald S. Lauder
President
World Jewish Congress
