U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday wished Jews in the United States, Israel and around the world an "easy and meaningful fast to all who observe Yom Kippur."
In a statement issued by the White House, the president said "At its core, this sacred and solemn day reaffirms a universal principle at the essence of our humanity: that, through word and deed, we each have the ability to right wrongs, mend rifts, and heal wounds. That every place where we have fallen short provides an opportunity for growth, and that by acknowledging shortcomings with honesty and humility, before our Creator and to one another, we can forge a more promising future – for ourselves, for our communities, and for our country," the statement read.
"May we each be sealed in the Book of Life," Biden concluded his message on behalf of himself and his wife Jil.