The EAJC extends its warmest greetings on Rosh Hashanah!

Dear Friends,

The past year has been exceptionally challenging. Humanity and the global Jewish community continue to face severe trials. This year has forced many to endure unprecedented hardships, contemplate the sanctity of human life, and return to enduring values.

During such times, we realize that "peace" is not merely a figure of speech. We often use it in daily conversation, sometimes without considering its profound meaning. Peace represents a profound respect for human rights, freedom, and the views of others. It embodies cooperation among nations and individuals, the exchange of ideas, and scientific and technological progress. Above all, peace means compassion, the sanctity of life, and mutual respect.

For centuries, Judaism has taught these principles to the Jewish people. In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses states directly: between life and death, choose life. To save a life, we are not only permitted but obligated to desecrate the Sabbath, one of our most important commandments; in doing so, the transgression becomes a fulfillment of the law. It is distressing that such cases have become a tragic reality over the past year.

This deep reverence for life, mutual responsibility, and readiness to help also define the character of the modern State of Israel, built upon a solid foundation of several millennia. These are the foundations of our faith and existence, which we can share with other nations.

These principles serve as the cornerstone of our organization. For 30 years, the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress has addressed the needs of the regional Jewish communities, including, of course, those within the former Soviet Union. We have supported our communities during the most critical times, and we continue to do so today.

We believe and pray for peace, fulfilling our moral duty to assist and support those in need, and to aid individuals facing hardship today.

Even in the darkest times, when events were difficult to accept or understand, the Jewish people never lost faith or ceased to pray. According to our tradition, the entire month of Elul, and especially the Ten Days of Repentance from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, represents a time when the Almighty is particularly receptive to our prayers. Let us reflect on how we could have acted better in the past year and pray sincerely for peace. May the upcoming year of 5783 bring tranquility, forgiveness, healing, and a global recognition of the supreme value of peace and the impermissibility of war.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress wishes you a happy and blessed Jewish New Year 5783!

Shana Tova U'Metuka!