MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – in French 1
The Government of Canada issues a statement on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and the beginning of the High Holidays
OTTAWA, October 2, 2024
Shana tova to all Jewish communities in Canada and around the world!
At sunset tonight, Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins, marking the start of the 10-day High Holidays.
During Rosh Hashanah, apples dipped in honey are eaten, symbolizing the hope for a sweet and fruitful new year. The sound of the shofar, an instrument made from a ram’s horn, will be heard in synagogues to call for introspection.
While this sacred time is one of optimism and reflection, this is a difficult time for the Jewish community at home and for Jewish people around the world. On October 7, we will mark the first anniversary of the deadliest attack on the Jewish community since the Holocaust, in which Canadians lost their lives. We are deeply concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism in this country, and law enforcement takes all threats seriously. There is no justification for such hatred, and it has no place in Canada. Everyone deserves to feel safe, no matter who they are, what they look like, or what they believe.
Jewish communities are not alone. The federal government is committed to doing whatever it takes to protect everyone who lives in Canada and to upholding the values of the country we believe in, where diversity and inclusion are our strengths. We know that Jewish communities fear for their safety as they travel to synagogues and temples across the country on Rosh Hashanah. We are committed to protecting their right to worship safely and peacefully. We recently launched Canada’s first-ever Action Plan to Combat Hate to provide communities with the resources they need to identify and prevent hate; increase support for victims and survivors; and provide a coordinated, government-wide approach to protecting Canadians. A key element of the new action plan is Canada’s Community Safety Program, which provides one-time financial and logistical support to communities exposed to hate-motivated incidents so they can take steps to protect themselves. We know that the Jewish community has been the target of vile hatred both in the virtual and real worlds. Bill C-63 proposes stronger laws to combat hate and creates a regime that holds social media companies accountable for hateful or harmful content on their platforms.
Jewish people have helped shape the Canada we know, and every day they contribute to the vibrancy of our communities. May Rosh Hashanah remind us that new beginnings bring hope and unity. We wish all Jewish communities in Canada and beyond a rewarding new year filled with health and happiness.
Shana tova u’metuka!
Waleed SaleemPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilitieswaleed.saleem@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Media RelationsCanadian Heritage819-994-91011-866-569-6155media@pch.gc.ca
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.