THE HON BILL SHORTEN MP
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
MEMBER FOR MARIBYRNONG

MICHELLE ROWLAND MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTULRALISM
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS
MEMBER FOR GREENWAY

STATEMENT
YOM KIPPUR
Today we wish the Australian Jewish community an easy fast on the occasion of Yom Kippur.

Yom Kippur translates to the Day of Atonement and is considered the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.

From sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday members of the Jewish community will fast as we reach the peak of the four weeks known as the High Holy Days.

Yom Kippur is a time of self-reflection and repentance. It is a day where many Jewish Australians, whether they are secular or Orthodox, observe the sanctity of the day.

Given the debate on social cohesion that we saw this week, Yom Kippur is a perfect time to reflect on and reaffirm our commitment to our rich multiculturalism and diversity.

On behalf of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party we wish Jewish Australians G’Mar Chatima Tovah – may you be inscribed in the book of life – and a Gut Yontif for Saturday evening – a joyful breaking of the fast.

FRIDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2014