As we embark on the New Year, hope for peace appears tangible. While we focus on the summit meeting in Washington, we pray that it will lead to the signing of a historic peace treaty between Israel and the Palestinians, and bring tranquility, prosperity and security to the peoples of the region.

With a common and better future in mind, the Jewish people in the Diaspora and Israel must work together for the benefi t of the generations to come and a brighter tomorrow. In this context, it is imperative that a spirit of brotherhood and a close bond with Israel continue to be a part of the Jewish and Zionist education of Jewish youth in the Diaspora. I believe the fi rst hand experience provided by visits to Israel plays a signifi cant role in achieving this objective.

In a period when attempts to delegitimize Israel as a Jewish state are relentless, it is essential that we, in Israel, and the Jewish people throughout the world, jointly seek to thwart these efforts. We must mobilize our forces to expose the lies and highlight the values of the Jewish people through the ages, based on the Ten Commandments, as well as the moral and ethical values that constitute the foundations of our country and our people.

It is also vital that we stand alongside the international community in the fi ght against fanatic leaders, armed with nuclear weapons, and who deny the Holocaust and call for the destruction of the State of Israel.

In a world where science and technology rank high, Israel continues to stand at the forefront of advances in this domain. Indeed, we are proud of Professor Ada Yonath of the Weizmann Institute, who received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry, and Professor Elon Lindenstrauss of the Hebrew University, who was awarded the prestigious Fields Medal for Mathematics, for their achievements and for bringing such credit to Israel and the Jewish people.

Our mission for the coming year is to strengthen our unity in matters that affect the destinies and future of us all. We must work together in harmony and reach agreements through dialogue. Solidarity, brotherhood, tolerance and understanding are the foundations of a strong and secure family. We cannot, and must not, allow disagreements to tear us apart. We must collectively dedicate ourselves to the well-being of the Jewish people.

In this spirit, I convey my best wishes to our brethren throughout the world for a year of peace, joy, good health and prosperity.

Shana Tova U’Metukah,

Shimon Peres