World Jewish News

US President Donald Trump during his conference call with Jewish leaders.

'We forcefully condemn those who seek to incite anti-Semitism, or to spread any form of slander and hate'

“We forcefully condemn those who seek to incite anti-Semitism, or to spread any form of slander and hate, and I will ensure we protect Jewish communities, and all communities, that face threats to their safety,” said US President Donald Trump in a conference call with Jewih leaders and rabbis ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Jared Kushner opened the call by introducing the president, by saying his father-in-law “takes great pride in having a Jewish daughter and Jewish grandchildren.’’

He added, ‘’His love and respect for the Jewish people extends way beyond his family, and into the heart of Jewish American communities,’’

Trump closed the call by saying he and his wife, Melania, are wishing all “a sweet, healthy and peaceful new year.”

He said that under the President’s leadership, ‘’America’s relationship with the State of Israel has never been stronger, and our country’s commitment to Israel’s security has never been greater.’’

During the conversation, Trump declared that “he United States will always support Israel not only because of the vital security partnership between our two nations, but because of the shared values between our two peoples.’’

Trump noted that his ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, was making a priority of keeping international bodies from singling out Israel for criticism.

“I can tell you on a personal basis, and I just left Israel recently, I love Israel,” he said.

He said this next New Year ‘’also offers a new opportunity to seek peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, and I am very hopeful that we will see significant progress before the end of the year.’’ ‘’Ambassador David Friedman, Jared, Jason, and the rest of my team are working very hard to achieve a peace agreement. I think it’s something that actually could happen,’’ he added.

He told the Jewish leaders, rabbis and Jewish friends that he was ‘’delighted to speak with you and to wish you Shana Tova, a sweet New Year.’’

‘’I send the Jewish community my warmest wishes as we approach the High Holy Days.The Jewish tradition of making time and taking time each year to rededicate your lives to the sacred values you hold dear not only improves yourselves but strengthens our nation and inspires us all.’’

‘’As we mark the beginning of the year 5,778 in the Jewish calendar, I want to express my deep admiration for the Jewish people. Throughout the centuries, the Jewish people have endured unthinkable persecution.’’

‘’I know with us today on the call are several Holocaust survivors. We are honored beyond words by your presence. You have borne witness to evil beyond human comprehension, and your perseverance is a lasting inspiration to us all. By telling your stories, you help us to confront evil in our world and we are forever grateful.

‘’I am proud to stand with the Jewish people and with our cherished friend and ally, the State of Israel. The Jewish State is a symbol of resilience in the face of oppression — it has persevered in the face of hostility, championed democracy in the face of violence, and succeeded in the face of very, very tall odds.’’

The president ended the conversation by saying: ‘’ Melania and I wish everyone a sweet, healthy, and peaceful New Year.’’

EJP