A Pesach message from the PM

For generations, Jewish families have gathered for the first two nights of Passover to recall the story of the Exodus from Egypt.

With its profound power untouched by the passing of millennia, it is a story of resilience and strength. Of liberation and endurance. Of triumph over adversity. Of sacrifice, redemption and hope.

A story that is ancient but continues to resonate.

The story is told through the customs that your grandparents learnt from their grandparents, including the seder plate, the songs and the food.

Through the ebbs and flows of history, the Jewish community has always sat down for their seder meals, to celebrate freedom, honour resilience and connect with a rich and vibrant history.

Yet this year, a community already grappling with the October 7 attack in Israel is also dealing with the dreadful weight of the antisemitic terror attack in Bondi.

Too many seder tables will be filled with immense pain for those so cruelly taken from us in December. Too many families will be enduring the terrible burden of that day. Every empty place will fill your synagogues with sorrow, and a fear that is all too real will taint your songs of freedom.

You do not have to carry your grief alone.

Our arms are still wrapped around you. We share in your grief. We mourn all who were lost that terrible day. The road to healing is a long one, but it is a road all Australia will travel at your side.

In the aftermath of Bondi, the ancient message of Passover once more takes on even greater weight.

Jewish Australians are still questioning what it means to live without fear. Just as grief isn’t yours to carry alone, that question is not yours to answer alone. It is a shared responsibility for all of us.

At Passover, as you recommit yourself to your history and traditions, I recommit to continue working alongside you to eradicate antisemitism, wherever it hides, whatever form it takes.

We will do everything required to ensure your security, uphold your safety and protect and honour your place here with us, as proud Australians.

That’s why in January we introduced a suite of legislative measures to combat hate and extremism. Under that legislation, Hizb ut-Tahrir is now listed as a prohibited hate group. We have delivered new resources to our law enforcement agencies to prevent further attacks, and we have extended funding for Jewish community security.

All of that immediate work was vital, but this is a whole-of-nation task and it requires a sustained effort across society.

That’s why we announced a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion led by Commissioner Virginia Bell.

We have set up the Antisemitism Education Taskforce led by David Gonski, to ensure the Australian education system can tackle, prevent and respond to antisemitism.

And we are supporting the ongoing work of the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism as she works with institutions right across Australia.

The Australian Jewish community is at the heart of the Australian story. Our nation has been enriched by the contributions of generations of Jewish people to our country. You have helped build our nation.

Hatred and antisemitism stand in opposition to all we hold dear.

Those who targeted you on December 14 did not count on your spirit.

Jewish Australians have not retreated. You have inspired our whole nation with your commitment to our country and shown us all what it means to be proud of the culture, traditions and history you bring to our community.

That is the lesson you continue to share with us.

Passover is not only about connecting with the generations before you, it is an active commitment to future generations. It is a call to shape the world we want to leave for our children and grandchildren. That responsibility is central to your faith, but also to the Australian character.

This country was born out of an innate desire to unify. That great Australian instinct to pull together will always be stronger than those who seek to drive us apart.

When they reach for division, we look out for one another. We constantly choose the strength of kindness, respect and solidarity.

What happened in Bondi on December 14 will always be a scar on our nation.

As you sit down at your seder table this year, there will be heavy hearts – but there will also be singing and storytelling. That is resilience, that is strength. And it is how we ensure hate never wins.

By celebrating Jewish life, we honour the 15 lives so cruelly taken from us.

We will do everything in our power to stamp out hatred, and we will keep celebrating our diversity.

Jewish Australians are cherished Australians.

As you mark the start of Passover, may you find comfort and strength together. And above all, may you find joy.

Chag kasher v’sameach.

Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia.