President Johnson, Vice-president Humphrey Greet U.S. Jews

President Johnson extended his greetings to the Jews of America today for a Happy New Year, and expressed the hope that all men may become “equal before God.” In a special message issued from the White House, President Johnson stated:

“On the eve of Rosh Hashana and the High Holy Days, I am pleased to extend to my fellow Americans of the Jewish faith my warm greetings for a Happy New Year. These are the days when we are reminded that the perfect society is one which we must work to create and fashion in this world and in our own time. The prophets taught the Jewish people never to falter in the world-wide search for the betterment and peace of mankind and never to leave the conflict against the forces of discrimination and poverty.

“These are the precepts which were inherited by our forefathers from those who received them at Sinai. They are beliefs which have been given new and forceful expression in the State of Israel, where they were first proclaimed and where Rosh Hashana prayers were first uttered.

“On this Rosh Hashana, let us pray together for a tranquil society both in this country and around the globe. And let us ask that the heavy hand of tyranny be lifted wherever it exists and that all become equal as they are equal before God.”

Vice-President Humphrey, in a message greeting the Jews in this country on the New Year, voiced the hope that persecutions being practiced against Jews in some “unhappy lands” might be eased during the next year. Without identifying any country by name, Mr. Humphrey stated: “In those unhappy lands where despotism restricts Jewish religion and culture, may the year 5727 witness progress toward a better, freer day.” The Vice-President referred also to Israel, declaring: “May our sister democracy of Israel further prosper and attain what she most seeks — lasting peace with all her neighbors, fullest opportunity to be a partner in works of goodness with all.”