Dear Friends,

As the chagim approach, it is my pleasure to share with you greetings from the President of Israel, H.E. Reuven Rivlin, and the President of the World Jewish Congress, Amb. Ronald S. Lauder.

Press to view a video message from President Rivlin: https://www.worldjewishcongress.org/en/videos/jewish-world/rosh-hashanah-greeting-from-president-rivlin-9-2-2020.

Press play to view a video message from WJC President Ronald S. Lauder: https://www.worldjewishcongress.org/en/videos/jewish-world/rosh-hashanah-greeting-from-president-lauder-9-2-2020

This last year has, undoubtedly, been one of great challenge to all of us around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on all of our communities and organizations, and our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones who will not be celebrating with them this yomtov, or who are ill.

However, in these last months, we have also seen Jewish communities supporting their members in time of need, and communities have come together to support each other and share experiences. I have been truly moved by the dedication of Jewish professionals and lay-leaders around the world to tend to the needs of their communities in these times.

We are also also delighted with the recent news of the normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which hopefully will catalyze further progress towards peace in the Middle East. This is truly a positive note on which to begin the New Year 5781.

I wish you, your families, and your loved ones a Shana Tova u'Metuka – a happy, sweet, and above all healthy new year, and Gmar Hatima Tova,

Stay Safe, Be Well, Zeit Gezund,

Maram Stern,

Executive Vice President

World Jewish Congress

http://www.wjc.org