Israel: Netanyahu's New Year Message "No Concession on Security & Jewish Identity"

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated Rosh Hashanah with a message on ongoing direct talks with Palestinians: "Lasting peace must be anchored in security and it must be anchored in the recognition of the Jewish state’s permanence in this region, not merely as a fact, but as something that our neighbors accept by right."

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Video and Transcript: Obama’s New Year Message to Israelis

Transcript:

Dear Friends,

Sitting here in Jerusalem, the united capital of Israel, I want to wish Jewish communities around the world a Happy New Year – Shana Tova.

I hope it will be a year in which our people enjoy security, prosperity and peace.

Last year was one of the safest years in two decades.

But last week’s brutal murder of four Israelis, including a mother of six and a pregnant woman, reminds us that we must never take our security for granted.

We must continue a firm policy that makes clear that terror and missile attacks on our citizens will not be tolerated.

The past year has also seen a resurgence of the Israeli economy.

Israel has weathered the financial crisis better than nearly any other industrialized country.

Our economy is now firmly back on a robust path towards long-term growth.  But of course we know that the crisis is not over and we shall act resolutely, decisively, but also carefully.

In the year ahead, my government will continue on the path of economic reform because a stronger economy means a stronger Israel.

The last few days have also seen a renewal of the peace process.

I had been calling for direct talks with the Palestinians for a year and a half.

I am pleased that President Abbas joined me in those talks without preconditions.

I believe that we should make every effort to reach an historic compromise for peace over the coming year.

I guarantee one thing.  This will not be easy.  But as Israel’s Prime Minister, it is my responsibility to make every effort to forge a lasting peace with our neighbors.

Lasting peace must be anchored in security and it must be anchored in the recognition of the Jewish state’s permanence in this region, not merely as a fact, but as something that our neighbors accept by right.

In the next year, Israel will face many challenges.

I have no doubt that in meeting those challenges, Jewish communities around the world will stand by Israel’s side – I think we've seen that every step of the way up to now. We'll see that every step of the way going forward.

May you all have a healthy and happy New Year.  Shana Tova.

Video and Transcript: Obama's New Year Message to Israelis

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Transcript:

As Jews in America and around the world celebrate the first of the High Holy Days I want to extend my warmest wishes for the New Year. L’shana Tova Tikatevu – may you be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life.

Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the spiritual calendar and the birth of the world. It serves as a reminder of the special relationship between God and his children, now and always. And it calls us to look within ourselves – to repent for our sins; recommit ourselves to prayer; and remember the blessings that come from helping those in need.

Today, those lessons ring as true as they did thousands of years ago. And as we begin this New Year, it is more important than ever to believe in the power of humility and compassion to deepen our faith and repair our world.

At a time when too many of our friends and neighbors are struggling to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads, it is up to us to do what we can to help those less fortunate.

At a time when prejudice and oppression still exist in the shadows of our society, it is up to us to stand as a beacon of freedom and tolerance and embrace the diversity that has always made us stronger as a people.

And at a time when Israelis and Palestinians have returned to direct dialogue, it is up to us to encourage and support those who are willing to move beyond their differences and work towards security and peace in the Holy Land. Progress will not come easy, it will not come quick. But today we had an opportunity to move forward, toward the goal we share—two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.

The scripture teaches us that there is “a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” In this season of repentance and renewal, let us commit ourselves to a more hopeful future.

Michelle and I wish all who celebrate Rosh Hashanah a sweet year full of health and prosperity.