The Jews got an sweet new year wish from an unlikely political figure, and this only hints at a more inclusive and tolerant future.

Iran's president Hassan Rouhani wished the Jewish population of the world a happy Rosh Hashanah via Twitter. He also seemed to be implying a sense of brotherhood between the the two religions:

"May our shared Abrahamic roots deepen respect and bring peace and mutual understanding. L'shanah Tovah."

But this is not actually surprising as a Yahoo! report revealed that Rouhani had sent out wishes on Rosh Hashanah in 2013 as well, and the country's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has followed in the chief's footsteps.

It is important that messages like these go out if we are to work toward a better future of religious tolerance in the world.

It becomes even more significant in Iran's case, as the country has a history of discriminating against its Jewish community which dates back to 3,000 years. There was a Jewish exodus during the Islamic revolution of 1979. The report reveals that currently around 20,000 jews are still in Iran.

Rouhani has also taken other steps to acknowledge the Jewish religion by instating that Jewish schools be closed on Saturdays to mark Shabbat. The president has also kept aside a provision of $400,000 for a Jewish charity hospital in Tehran. Additionally has also demonstrated inclusiveness by having Iran's only Jewish lawmaker join him at the United Nations General Assembly in 2013.

Tags: rosh hashanah Hassan Rouhani