Mr. Speaker, tonight Jewish Canadians and Jews around the world will begin to observe the holiest day in the Hebrew calendar, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
This is the last of the 10 days of penitence that begin with the Jewish new year. It is an opportunity to reflect, repent, and ask for forgiveness as the new year begins.
It is a time to gather with friends and family and together work toward each being a better person and better member of the community. It is also a time to celebrate the important role that Jewish Canadians have played over the last 268 years and will continue to play in building a stronger, greater Canada.
I would like to ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing all those observing Yom Kippur a G'mar Chatimah Tovah. Let people of all faiths join together to build a happier and more harmonious world.