The High Holy Days are an opportunity to reflect on the lessons and events from the past year and contemplate the path that lies ahead for the Jewish people, the State of Israel and the world.

The state of world Jewry is vibrant, with many communities around the world thriving.  Israel is a beacon of democracy in the Middle East and an influential player on the international stage.  Yet dangerous anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment persist.

As we pause for Rosh Hashanah, world leaders are attending the 63rd annual General Assembly of the United Nations in New York.  The international body has a long history of anti-Israel bias, but there have been recent positive developments for Israel at the U.N., including the adoption of the first Israel-initiated draft resolution, dealing with agricultural technology for development.

The presence of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is again drawing widespread protest.  He continues to demonize Israel and openly call for its destruction, remarking recently that "the Zionist regime is going toward its final collapse after 60 years of aggression."  Meanwhile, the Iranian regime flies in the face of international sanctions by actively pursuing a nuclear weapons capability. 

Domestically, Israel faces the difficult challenge of balancing security considerations with furthering the peace process.  Terrorists continue to target innocent Israeli civilians, witnessed by bulldozer attacks in central Jerusalem, a shooting at a Jerusalem yeshiva, and the bombing of shopping centers.  Despite a recent lull, Palestinian militants in Gaza continue to launch rockets at Israeli cities.  The threats from Hezbollah and Hamas remain very real.

There are, however, causes for optimism.  Dignitaries from around the world traveled to Israel to celebrate its 60th anniversary.  German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivered a historic address before the Israeli Knesset.  Israel will see soon new leadership take on the country's challenges, as discussions continue between Israeli and Palestinian Authority leaders to try to hammer out a peace agreement.

Global attitudes toward Israel and Jews reflect a familiar pattern.  Americans continue to strongly support Israel, while across the Middle East, Arab and Muslim media routinely publish base depictions of Jews and anti-Semitic caricatures.  In Europe, unfavorable views toward Jews are increasing, while in South America, the influence of Iran and Hezbollah continues to deepen.

At home, we are in the midst of a pivotal and historic presidential election campaign.  Religion in the public square continues to be a major concern.  Appealing to voters along religious lines can be divisive and is contrary to the American ideal of including all Americans in the political process.  Those seeking public office must be prepared to set an example and be a leader for all Americans, no matter his or her faith, or whether he or she even has a faith.

The new administration will have to address issues of foreign policy -- wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran's nuclear aspirations, and Russia's role; and domestic concerns -- the economy, immigration, and homeland security.

We pray for 5769 to be a year in which the Jewish people continue to thrive and the State of Israel finds lasting peace and security.  We hope that the diversity of American society continues to flourish and the forces of anti-Semitism, religious intolerance and hatred are defeated.

L'Shanah Tovah!

Glen S. Lewy is National Chairman of the Anti-Defamation League.  Abraham H. Foxman is the League's National Director and author of "The Deadliest Lies: The Jewish Lobby and the Myth of Jewish Control."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.