Ottawa, September 13, 2013 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, issued the following statement to mark Yom Kippur:
“As the sun sets this evening, Jews around the world will gather together in places of worship to hear the annual chanting of Kol Nidre, an ancient declaration that traditionally begins the observance of Yom Kippur.
“Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most sacred and solemn day in the Jewish calendar. Through fasting, prayer and teshuvah – repentance – those observing Yom Kippur seek to atone for their wrongdoings of the past year and to begin the Jewish New Year with a clean slate.
“The Jewish community of Canada has a long and noteworthy history. Canadian Jews have made many significant contributions to the development and success of our country for more than 250 years.
“As Minister for Multiculturalism, I join with Canadians in extending my sincere best wishes to Jews in Canada and around the world on the occasion of this holy day.
“Gemar chatima tovah.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alexandra Fortier
Minister’s Office
819-994-2482
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
