Obama Rosh Hashanah Message: Seize Opportunity for Middle East Peace

By Natasha Mozgovaya (Haaretz Service) September 7, 2010

U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday night issued his annual Rosh Hashanah greeting, urging Israelis and Palestinians to seize the opportunity for peace as Jews across the world prepare to mark the new year.

Obama’s message comes as Israeli and Palestinian leaders gird for a second round of Middle East peace talks, which kicked off last week in Washington, with the U.S. president staking much political capital on seeking an end to the decades-old conflict.

Unlike Obama, previous presidents have waited until their second term of office to tackle this knottiest of diplomatic challenges.

“At a time when Israelis and Palestinians have returned to direct dialogue, it is up to us to encourage and support those who are willing to move beyond their differences and work towards security and peace in the Holy Land,” Obama said.

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