Political leaders here and in New York sent today New Year’s messages to Jews throughout the country. President Richard M. Nixon greeted American Jewry on the eve of Rosh Hashana by noting that the High Holy Days are being observed “at a time when the challenge we face as a nation make the self examination and spiritual rededication that are so traditionally a part of your observance particularly relevant, not just for you but for every citizen.” In his message, the President further observed: “We are in the midst of an era in which each of us is called upon to do his part in making sure that the less fortunate among us receive every opportunity to gain self-fulfillment in their lives and thus better contribute to the strength and vitality of our society as a whole.” Nixon praised the role of American Jews by observing: “A remarkable sense of justice, dignity and decency has placed the American Jewish community in the vanguard of every major endeavor to enhance the quality of life for all our citizens.” “In this holy season, as you reassess the meaning of your daily lives in the light of the rich traditions that you cherish, I know that not just you but our nation will benefit.” Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller of New York extended Rosh Hashana greetings stating: “It is a pleasure for Mrs. Rockefeller and me to extend to the entire New York Jewish community our warmest wishes during this holiday season for a new year of peace and happiness.”
Mayor John V. Lindsay of New York observed in a Rosh Hashana message to the Jewish community that “All of us share the hope that the new year will see significant advances made in Israel’s determined quest for peace and security. We fervently hope too that the Jews of the Soviet Union may have the right, if they choose, to rejoin their brothers in Israel and other lands.”
Sen. Charles. H. Percy (R., III.) said in a Rosh Hashana message. “I welcome the opportunity to greet the Jewish people and to wish them a new year of personal fulfillment and peace. Americans and the citizens of all nations have as a primary task to learn to live together in peace and tranquility, with mutual respect for each other and with equal justice under law. On Rosh Hashana let us rededicate our efforts toward these ends.” Sen. James L. Buckley (C.N.Y.) said in a holiday message, “When so many are gathered in synagogues, we are mindful of the millions of men and women–especially the Jews of the Soviet Union–who are deprived of the freedom to practice their faith and to transmit their heritage to their children…The values of faith, hope, repentance and renewal which are stressed during the High Holy Day season are of abiding importance to all of us, Jew and non-Jew alike.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
