Israelis marked last night (2.10.16) the eve of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, joining Jews around the world in marking the biblical year of 5777.
Ahead of the two-day celebration, Israelis packed the bustling markets around the country for last-minute purchases amid tightened security arrangements. “We are here in Mahaneh Yehuda Market, it’s the biggest market in Jerusalem, it’s the eve of the Jewish holiday, the new year’s holiday. This is special day, because this holiday starts a series of a month of Jewish holidays called the ‘Tishri Hagim’, and everybody loves it. It’s two days of family together and beginning of the holiday month,” Jerusalem Resident Dan Sagir said.
The IDF announced a full closure on Palestinian territories in the West Bank, excluding humanitarian cases as well as various Palestinian professional groups such as doctors, medical personnel and NGO workers whom grant special permissions to enter Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greeted Jews around the world for Rosh Hashanah, declaring his hope for peace while continuing to be a beacon of light and freedom in a dark and repressive region. “On this Rosh Hashanah I send worm greetings from Jerusalem to all the Jews around the world. Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish new year it’s a time for celebration time for reflection but this year Rosh Ha Shana falls just a few days after a sad day, Shimon Paris Israel’s ninth president has just passed away Shimon was a man of vision and optimism and I think Shimon would want us to celebrate Rosh Hashanah this year by looking back with pride and looking forward with hope. Israel as much to be proud of our democracy is thriving our economy is growing our relations around the world are getting stronger. As Shimon was I am extremely hopeful about our future Israel will continue working for peace will continue expanding opportunity for all our citizens will continue to be a beacon of light and freedom in the dark and repressive region and this Rosh Hashanah I ask Jews around the world to remain hopeful and to continue pursuing justice and truth this is the story of the Jewish people this is the story of the State of Israel Shana Tova to all of you god bless you,” Netanyahu said.