[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Page 22236]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             ROSH HASHANAH

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I would like to comment on the Jewish 
holiday at this juncture, if I might.
  I would like to take a moment to recognize the Jewish holiday of Rosh 
Hashanah and to reflect on the importance of Israel to the Jewish 
people and the United States.
  Rosh Hashanah, also called the Jewish New Year, began Monday evening. 
Jews all across the globe flocked to their synagogues, prepared 
ceremonial meals, and set aside special time with family to mark the 
occasion.
  Rosh Hashanah celebrates the anniversary of the creation of the 
world. It is a time for contemplation and prayer, a day to look forward 
to the year ahead, to reflect on past deeds, and to ask for God's 
forgiveness.
  Rosh Hashanah is followed by Yom Kippur, the most solemn occasion on 
the Jewish calendar. Beginning on the 10th day of Tishri--the evening 
of October 12--the Jewish people will observe a day of fasting, of 
prayer, and reflection. And as with every year, they will end the 
annual rite with the words: ``Next Year in Jerusalem.''
  Israel, and the city of Jerusalem, a city that both major parties 
recognize as its capital, is the birthplace to three of the world's 
great religions. It is rich in tradition, history, and culture, all of 
which truly touches the soul.
  From the mountains of the Golan to the port of Eilat, Israel's 
natural beauty is as diverse as the religions that share its golden 
city of Jerusalem.
  A land of economic and scientific innovation, the mysticism of the 
past unites with technology of the future.
  Perhaps most significantly, Israel is a symbol of the survival of the 
Jewish people. It shines as a beacon of hope to Jews all over the 
world, even as it stands surrounded by a sea of tyrannies.
  And to the United States, this small and besieged country is a vital 
partner in the war on terror. The struggle it fights every day against 
terrorist forces, within and without its borders, is part of the same 
struggle our troops fight every day in Iraq and Afghanistan--the same 
struggle that rocked the island of Bali on Saturday.
  Reasonable people can and should debate Israel's policies. Serious, 
thoughtful debate is crucial to devising effective and correct 
solutions. It is the cornerstone of democracy.
  But we must always distinguish between those who raise legitimate 
questions about the specific policies of a democratic state and those 
who use criticism of Israel as a disguise for attacks on the Jewish 
people.
  I urge all of my colleagues to reflect on the longstanding 
relationship, friendship, between the United States and Israel; to wish 
our ally peace and prosperity in the year ahead; and to work to 
strengthen, deepen, and improve our bond as defenders of freedom.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The minority leader is recognized.

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