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The Days of Awe have traditionally been a time of introspection and soul-searching, when we gaze back even as we eagerly anticipate the future.

In this spirit, I would like to share with you my thoughts on Israel and the Jewish people.

First, we must bring security and peace; the two are inseparable. Peace with security means restoring hope and optimism to our nation, and removing the burden of war and terror. Recent years have been filled with unprecedented acts of brutality and violence directed against innocent Israeli civilians. These are incompatible with the peace process.

As we pursue contacts with our neighbors, we shall act to preserve the nation's vital interests. Jerusalem, our eternal capital, shall remain undivided under Israeli sovereignty. In the coming year, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of our reunification with the walls, the alleyways and ramparts of our beloved Jerusalem. It is from Jerusalem, the object of our people's longings and tears over the millennia, that we derive our strength of purpose and national fortitude.

A strong and secure Israel also requires a free and vibrant economy. Embarking upon a program of privatization and liberalization will free Israel's entrepreneurial spirit from the stifling shackles of overregulation and government interference. A more competitive and efficient economy will enable Israel to flourish in the increasingly competitive global marketplace. Opening up the Israeli economy will not be easy, but the benefits will be vast.

One of the engines of our economic and national revival is the continued arrival of tens of thousands of new immigrants each year. This historic return to our homeland is the fulfillment of the age-old visions of the prophets of Israel and the realization of Zionism. The Jewish people are coming home, bringing with them vitality and creativity. We will continue to encourage and foster aliyah, as well as work to ease the often-difficult process of immigration and absorption. We shall do our utmost to harness the energies and talents of the newcomers. Already, their impact and contributions can be felt in all sectors of society. I am confident that with your help, Israel will soon become the largest Jewish community in the world.

Yet even as we celebrate Israel's continued growth, we must view with alarm the trends in Jewish communities worldwide. The plague of assimilation and ignorance is wreaking havoc upon our people, snatching our finest and brightest youth. The "People of the Book" are in danger of becoming the "People Who Do Not Read the Book." At this hallowed time of the year, it becomes especially clear that the surest guarantee of our future lies in understanding and cherishing our heritage. We need to intensify and expand Jewish education. We give our youth the tools to be productive members of society, but we must also give them the tools to be proud and faithful Jews. We Israelis are committed to working with you in the diaspora. Together, we can overcome the dire threat posed to our people's continuity. Wishing you a Shanah Tovah, and a year of blessings and peace.