Special greetings on the occasion of the celebration by Jews of the New Year 5726 were issued here by President Johnson and Vice-President Humphrey. The President declared in his Rosh Hashanah message:
“As another year on the ancient Jewish calendar draws to a close, I am delighted to express to all my fellow Americans of the Jewish faith my cordial greetings as they observe the High Holy Days.
“These days of penitence and renewed hope are a fitting reminder to us all that each of our individual fates is part of the fate of mankind. We are called not to the negation of despair, but to the stern duty of hope. We are reminded that no period in human history has been easy for those who seek freedom, justice, and brotherhood.
“Difficult though it may seem, it is up to us to bear the burden of conscience during a time of aggressive international challenge and profound domestic change. Encouraged by the fortitude of those before us who have suffered and endured, we are renewed in our determination to preserve and uphold their time-honored aspirations.
“By sharing with us its deep devotion to individual dignity and human right, the Jewish faith has enriched our American heritage. May the contributions of this Faith, revitalized through the observance of Rosh Hashanah be a continuing source of strength and inspiration for all Americans.”
Vice-President Humphrey, declaring he was “happy” to extend his greetings to the Jewish people on their celebration of Rosh Hashanah, stated:
“God grant that the year 5726 will be a year of peace, of liberty and happiness. This is the heartfelt prayer of the Jewish people. It is their prayer for all the family of man — everywhere. God grant that in lands of freedom, such as our own, 5726 will witness our mutual achievement of still greater heights of brotherhood.
“In those countries, unfortunately, where the Jewish people still live under a cloud of persecution, in second class citizenship, denied their political, cultural, economic and other rights, may this year see progress toward fullest justice and equality.”
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.
