Ottawa, Ontario- 3 October 2014

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark Yom Kippur:

“At sunset today, Jewish communities across Canada and around the world will gather together with family and friends to observe Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement and one of the holiest days of the year in the Jewish calendar.

“Yom Kippur, which occurs on the 10th day of Tishrei, marks the end of the Ten Days of Awe. It is a time of fasting, prayer, and repentance. It is a time to seek forgiveness for the sins of the past year and the wrongs done towards fellow man in order to begin the New Year with a clean slate.

“On this sacred day, considered one of the holiest days of the year, the Jewish community comes together to reflect on the year that has passed and to look ahead with hope.

“It is also an opportunity for Canadians to reflect upon and appreciate the many contributions made by the Jewish community to the building of our great country. “Laureen and I extend our sincere wishes to all those across Canada and around the world as they gather to observe this solemn and sacred day. “G’mar hatimah tovah.”

See more at: http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/10/03/statement-prime-minister-canada-mark-yom-kippur#sthash.Q3b2dokp.dpuf