ENCINITAS, California (Press Release)– On Sunday, March 15, 2015 The Anti-Defamation League hosted its second annual “Nation of Immigrants” community Seder at The Ranch in Encinitas. The Passover Seder celebrates the exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. This message of hope, liberation, and freedom is universal.
The event was chaired by Jim Farley, President and CEO of the Leichtag Foundation; Todd Gloria, City of San Diego Councilmember and Shelley Zimmerman, Chief of the San Diego Police Department. The Seder was led by Rabbi Lenore Bohm with music performed by Craig Parks. More than 90 San Diego community members, including educators, school and government officials, law enforcement and leaders of many faiths and ethnic groups were in attendance and participated in the Seder.
As guests arrived at The Ranch, they were welcomed by African drummers from Senegal. Then attendees marked the countries where their families came from on a world map.
Tammy Gillies, ADL’s Regional Director, welcomed the guests and introduced Jim Farley who delivered welcoming remarks with Catherine Blakespear, Deputy Mayor of Encinitas. San Diego Councilmember Todd Gloria spoke about the importance of immigrants and diversity as an integral part of American values and history. Bettina Hausmann, President of the United Nations Association, San Diego chapter, shared her personal immigration story as a person that grew up in Eastern Germany and spoke about the freedom of religion she experienced when she moved to America.
Several community leaders participated in the Seder by presenting special readings that included poems by Cesar Chavez and Maya Angelou. One of the most poignant moments came when the question, “why is this night different from all other nights?” was read by participants in Latin, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Yiddish, Turkish and Hebrew.
After a delicious vegetarian meal created by Barbara McQuiston, owner of “The Curious Fork” in Solana Beach, the participants enjoyed a traditional Chinese performance.
At the conclusion of the Seder, all the participants joined together in a moving rendition of “America The Beautiful” in celebration of our rich diversity.
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Preceding provided by the Anti-Defamation League.
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