September 25, 2008 / 25 Elul, 5768

Dear Friends,

With the approach of the New Year, I am pleased to send you my best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year. May the incoming year bring peace and security to all our brothers and sisters in the Jewish communities in the Diaspora and to all citizens of the State of Israel. May it be a year of Jewish solidarity, understanding and unity for the sake of the future of the Jewish People and the prosperity of the State of Israel.

We celebrated this year, in Israel and around the Jewish world, the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel.  In festive events in all communities around the world, the commitment of the Jewish People in the Diaspora to the State of Israel over the years was emphasized, as was the sense of partnership that exists as Israel faces today's and tomorrow's challenges.

As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, the Jewish Agency won the Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement and Special Contribution to Society and the State of Israel for its work over its 80 year history.  This prize is en expression of esteem and gratitude to our partners around the world for their efforts, through the Jewish Agency, on behalf of the State of Israel and its citizens.

Large and important tasks face us in increasing aliyah to Israel, expanding Jewish Zionist educational activities in the Diaspora, increasing the number of young people coming to Israel on various programs, continuing our work to stengthen Israel's periphery and close gaps among at-risk children and youth, in the struggle against anti-Semitism  and more.

I am certain that our many partners in Israel and in the world, mainly the UJC and Keren Hayesod, the Jewish communities and donors in the Diaspora and in Israel , will continue to be with us as we stand in the forefront of achieving these important goals.

I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to you for the support and longstanding partnership and for our continued joint efforts for many years to come.

Special New Year Greetings to all the Jewish Agency emissaries throughout the world, to the management of the organization and to all its employees throughout Israel, for their dedication and commitment which is a guarantee for the fulfillment of the tasks we face.

Happy New Year to you and your families,