Press Releases

Wasserman Schultz Statement on Yom Kippur

Pembroke Pines, FL – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement on the Jewish High Holy Day of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement:

“Tonight, Jewish families across our nation will gather for Kol Nidre and commence the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people, Yom Kippur. On this solemn Day of Atonement, we take the time to engage in self-reflection, take an accounting of our deeds in the past year, and commit to doing better in the year ahead.

“This day is not an easy one in our faith, but its required self-reflection reminds us that the best things in life are difficult, and require sacrifice and commitment. And it reminds us that as a nation, we have our work cut out for us. We must engage in the honest, self-assessment that will enable us to move forward as a community, nation, and world. We must ask ourselves the hard questions that will help us with tikkun olam, repairing the world, and which might require us to make sacrifices or do more to help those in need.

“Yom Kippur is also a day on which we remember the passing of loved ones and recite the Yizkor memorial prayer. This year’s Yizkor will be a particularly difficult one for the global community, as we remember President Shimon Peres. President Peres was a visionary hero, who led his life guided by the principle of tikkun olam, and our world is a better one because of him. As we mourn him, we also mourn the loss of two innocent civilians in Jerusalem last week, who lost their lives in an unprovoked shooting. My thoughts are with the Israeli people and my commitment to ensuring their safety and security stands firm.

“May President Peres' steadfast commitment to peace inspire us all and give us the strength we need to continue to make our world a better one for our children and future generations. From my family to yours, have a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year.”

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Contact:

Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931