Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement today commemorating the holiday of Passover, which begins tonight at 7:52 p.m., wishing Jews across Canada a Chag Pesach Samayach.
“Tonight at sundown, Jewish families across Canada and around the world will observe the beginning of Passover,” the statement begins. “Families and friends will gather around the Seder table to share food and wine, eat matzah, and recount from the Haggadah the timeless story of the Exodus – one of humanity’s great stories of liberation.
“Passover is a time to celebrate freedom, and reaffirm our commitment to face fear with hope, choose unity over division, and never lose faith in the better day that lies ahead.
“As friends and families gather for this joyous celebration, we take this opportunity to recognize the tremendous contributions of Canada’s vibrant Jewish community to our great country.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I extend our best wishes to all those observing Passover in Canada and around the world. Chag Pesach Samayach!”
South of the border, U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle sent their best wishes “to everyone celebrating Pesach in the United States, in the State of Israel, and around the world.
“Passover gives us all a special opportunity to renew our belief in things unseen even as the future remains uncertain,” they said in a from the White House. “May this season inspire us all to rededicate ourselves to peace and freedom for all of God’s children. From our family to yours, Chag Samayach!”
During his address, British Prime Minister David Cameron vowed to defeat the rise of anti-Semitism in the U.K. “As Jewish communities unite to celebrate the festival of Passover, our thoughts will turn to the increasing number of abhorrent anti-Semitic attacks over the past year,” he said. “Jewish communities, wherever in the world they are, must not be left to live in fear.”
