STRASBOURG (EJP)---European parliament President, Jerzy Buzek, sent his “heartfelt best wishes” to Jewish communities across the European Union, in a message on the occasion of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year.

Here is the full text of Buzek’s message sent from Strasbourg where the EU parliament is in a plenary session:

On the occasion of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, I would like to send my heartfelt best wishes to Jewish communities across the European Union.

“In the Hebrew calendar, this is the first of ten days in which His creation of the world is commemorated. It is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the gift of creation, as well as our own responsibility to protect the natural environment.

For Jews this is a day of rest from work, taking time out to reflect upon the gift of life and to give prayer of thanks to our Creator. This is a sweet and beautiful thing to do, symbolised for Jews in the eating of new fruits and honey.

Whether we are Christian, Jewish or Muslim, whether we are believers or non-believers, we can all benefit from such days of rest when we take time out to reflect on the gifts we have been given, as well as to think about those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

In the European Union, 2010 has been dedicated to the combat against poverty.  Religious communities have a special vocation to be attentive to the needs of the poor, the hungry and the lonely.

A new year also means a new beginning, new hope for the future. We all share the hope and aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples to build a better life in peace and security in the Middle East, a land that is holy for believers of all three Abrahamic faiths.

Our hope and prayer is that the renewed dialogue in this region will bear fruit and prove to be the basis of a lasting peace founded on mutual respect for the human dignity of all.

I wish you and your families "Shana tova umetukah" - a good and sweet year!”