Mr. Speaker, this evening at sunset, the Jewish community across Canada and around the world will gather together to observe Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. Yom Kippur is the most sacred and solemn day in the Jewish calendar.
Those observing seek to atone for their wrongdoings of the past year through fasting, prayer and repentance, they seek forgiveness for the sins they have committed toward their fellow man and against God.
On this sacred day, the Jewish community comes together to reflect on the year that has passed and to look ahead with hope and optimism at the year to come, seeking this as an opportunity to start with a clean slate.
On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Canadian government, I would like to extend my sincere wishes to all those in Canada and around the world observing this most holy day to have an easy and meaningful fast, and may they be inscribed in the book of life.
G'mar Chatimah Tova.