Chag Pesach Sameach
Our federal and state politicians wish the Jewish community a Chag Pesach Sameach.
Scott Morrison
Prime Minister
As the sun sets at Passover, Jewish families in Australia and around the globe will come together to find strength in faith, family, fellowship and community.
This year, Jewish Australians gather without the restrictions of the pandemic that curtailed so much over the past two years.
We are reminded to “choose life” and we did so during the pandemic. In doing so, we preserved so much and I am grateful for the efforts of the Jewish community over these past two years.
This Passover, we remember and pray for the men, women and children in Ukraine. Many have fled, others remain in fear of what will be lost in war.
I, and all Australians, join with you in praying for peace and justice. Our prayers, of course, are matched with action.
In the Haggadah, the story of God’s saving action, you tell a story of hope and freedom. We remind ourselves of keeping faith during times of despair, and that in time, faith will ultimately overcome the injustices of oppressors.
Here in Australia, I honour the Jewish community as you have always sought to contribute to the peace of our land, playing your own role in the most successful multicultural and multi-faith nation on Earth.
At this Passover, may your prayers bring hope and healing to your hearts, and to the world that we share.
Chag Pesach Sameach!
Anthony Albanese
Opposition Leader
It gives me great pleasure to offer you the greeting that has been a shining thread through the centuries: Chag Pesach Sameach.
Passover is nothing less than part of our cultural bedrock. With its themes of suffering, salvation, liberation and redemption, the story of Moses leading the Jews out of slavery and their 40-year journey to the Promised Land is so resonant that it is retold generation after generation, with each generation drawing different meaning from it.
While it also tells us of the sometimes wayward relationship between humanity and God, what ultimately emerges out of it is a story of hope and, crucially, promises kept. Put it all together and it is a reminder of why Passover is such a powerful source of reassurance in good times and bad, and why it will never stop being told.
It can be safely said that we do not find ourselves in good times right now. Amid the great upheaval of COVID-19, families have had to overcome physical separation at Passover for two years now. For many, this is the third seder apart and that fills hearts with pain. I know that some families are anxious now for relatives endangered by war and a leader who is unwavering in the face of suffering.
May all this pass. May all hopes be realised. And may everyone be seated together around the seder table once more.
On behalf of the Labor Party, Chag Kasher v’Sameach.
Daniel Andrews
Victorian Premier
It gives me great pleasure to wish the Victorian Jewish community good health, happiness and peace during Passover this year.
Each year Passover provides Jewish communities the opportunity to celebrate their liberation from oppression and to reaffirm the commitment to creating a better life for your community.
Of equal importance is the opportunity to teach those around the seder table about the miracles and trials of Passover – its tribulations along with its triumphs.
Victoria is a stronger and fairer place to live because of the significant and genuine contribution of our Jewish community – something that each and every member of Victorian Jewry should be proud of.
I hope this Friday and Saturday’s seder are filled with family and friends, tradition, deep reflection – and the mitzvah of educating all.
Chag Sameach!
Matthew Guy
Victorian Opposition Leader
I am pleased to send my warmest wishes to Victoria’s Jewish community for the festival of Passover, 2022.
Steeped in thousands of years of history and respected by the wider community, Passover is one of the most important religious celebrations on the Jewish calendar.
Passover is a cherished time for family and community to come together in a spirit of commemoration and celebration of freedom, hope and courage, reminding us of the freedom we enjoy in observing our religious and cultural heritage.
In Victoria, we are fortunate to live in a diverse society where significant events such as Passover can be observed freely.
Victoria’s Jewish community enriches our state’s diverse multifaith society and on behalf of all Victorians, I wish you a peaceful and joyous celebration.
Chag Pesach Sameach!
Dominic Perrottet
NSW Premier
I would like to extend my best wishes to all the members of the NSW Jewish community celebrating Passover – Pesach – this coming week.
Alongside family and friends, each year you gather around the seder table recounting the story of the Exodus from Egypt, and celebrating the Jewish people’s freedom from slavery.
Passover’s enduring message of faith and courage in times of hardship continues to be an inspiration for millions of people around the world with whom you join in celebration over this period.
On behalf of the NSW government, I would like to thank your community and your community leaders for doing your part to help keep NSW safe throughout this pandemic.
We have all made, and continue to make, sacrifices to ensure our harmonious, multicultural community remains as strong and resilient as ever.
I wish you a joyful, safe and happy Passover – Chag Sameach.
Chris Minns
NSW Opposition Leader
On behalf of NSW Labor, I would like to wish the Jewish community of NSW a happy and healthy Pesach.
Passover commemorates the Jewish people’s emancipation from slavery in Egypt over 3000 years ago.
It is a time to reflect on the Jewish people’s history of persecution and survival – and it is a celebration of freedom and liberation.
This year, many Australian Jewish families will be reuniting for their first Passover seder in three years to tell the story of the Exodus from Egypt over wine, matzah, and a festive meal.
At this special time of year, I hope you and your family enjoy this opportunity to reunite on seder night, share stories, and introduce new generations of your family to the wonderful traditions of Pesach.
I would also extend my sincere thanks to Jewish Australians for the important contribution your community makes to our country.
Chag Pesach Sameach!
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