Shanah tovah!  Hello everyone.

This evening, at sundown, Jewish communities in Canada and throughout the world will celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Families and friends will come together to pray and share a meal during this time of joy and reflection.

Rosh Hashanah is an opportunity to reflect on the year that has just passed and face the year to come with hope and determination.

As we celebrate 150 years of Confederation in 2017, this is also an ideal occasion to celebrate Jewish communities across Canada.

Jewish Canadians have made–and continue to make–tremendous contributions towards building our country and shaping it for the better.

Rosh Hashanah is a time to appreciate the many contributions of Jewish Canadians, and remember that we all have a role to play in changing our world for the better.

I know it’s been a difficult year for many people in Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.

We’ve seen hateful, anti-Semitic acts targeting innocent people and the places where they gather and worship.

But rest assured, the Government of Canada stands firmly with the Jewish community in the face of this hatred.

We must continue to unite against anti-Semitism and all other forms of hatred and discrimination—and reaffirm our commitment to a more open and inclusive Canada.

On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish all those celebrating a joyful and blessed Rosh Hashanah.