Obama, Kerry send Pesach greetings

Barack Obama
Barack Obama

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)–U.S President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry were among the public officials who have sent Passover greetings to the Jewish community.

John Kerry
John Kerry

President Obama said in a statement: “Michelle and I send our warmest greetings to all those celebrating Passover in the United States, in Israel, and around the world.  On Tuesday, just as we have every year of my presidency, my family will join the millions taking part in the ancient tradition of the Seder.  We will enjoy the company of friends and loved ones, retell a timeless story, and give thanks for the freedom we are so blessed to enjoy. Yet even as we celebrate, our prayers will be with the people of Overland Park, Kansas and the family and friends of the three innocent people who were killed when a gunman, just one day before Passover, opened fire at a Jewish community center and retirement home on Sunday.  As Americans, we will continue to stand united against this kind of terrible violence, which has no place in our society.  We will continue to come together across faiths to combat the ignorance and intolerance, including anti-Semitism, that can lead to hatred and violence.  And we will never lose faith that compassion and justice will ultimately triumph over hate and fear.

“For that is one of the great lessons of the Exodus.  The tale of the Hebrew slaves and their flight from Egypt carries the hope and promise that the Jewish people have held in their hearts for thousands of years, and it is has inspired countless generations in their own struggles for freedom around the globe.   In America, the Passover story has always had special meaning.  We come from different places and diverse backgrounds, but we are bound together by a journey from bondage to liberty enshrined in our founding documents and continued in each generation.  As we were so painfully reminded on Sunday, our world is still in need of repair, but the story of the Exodus teaches us that with patience, determination, and abundant faith, a brighter future is possible.  Chag Sameach.”

Kerry issued this statement to the people of Israel  “On this Passover eve, as Jews around the world recall the biblical Exodus from Egypt and welcome a new season of hope in our time, I extend my heartfelt holiday greetings to the people of Israel. This holiday is about balance: the joy of families gathering around the Seder table and the potent reminders of people of all faiths who are still denied the liberty to observe openly.

“I look forward to speaking soon with Prime Minister Netanyahu to convey my personal best wishes to him and his family and the people of Israel. I greatly appreciate the personal friendship we have built over many years and admire the leadership, courage, and commitment to peacemaking that he has shown in the face of difficult and complicated challenges in the past months. The story of Passover that will be read in Israel and around the world tonight reminds us that it has never been an easy feat leading the people of Israel to a better, safer place.

“I am very pleased to be attending Ambassador Dermer’s Seder tomorrow night and joining in the spirit of this festival of spring and renewal. I hope we can all draw inspiration from the spirit of the ancient Hebrews who in the Exodus stood at the precipice of the Red Sea, trembling with terror but nevertheless filled with the hope that they too may enjoy freedom and fulfill their promise as a people. And as families and friends listen tonight as the youngest child asks the table, ‘Mah nishtanah? — Why is this night different from all other nights?’ I pray the answer will be: because this night will lead us into a year of renewed commitment to peace, freedom, and dignity for all of God’s children.

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