Pollies’ Pesach greetings

"IT is my great pleasure to send my warmest greetings to Australia’s Jewish community on the upcoming observance of Passover," Turnbull said.

Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten wish the Jewish community a happy Chanukah.
Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten wish the Jewish community a happy Chanukah.

Malcolm Turnbull
Prime Minister

IT is my great pleasure to send my warmest greetings to Australia’s Jewish community on the upcoming observance of Passover.

Passover is a special time of celebration when Jewish people all over the world commemorate the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.
Passover is importantly also a time to come together to remember and celebrate the richness of the Jewish cultural and religious heritage with family and friends.

This time of year unites us all as we reflect on peace, happiness and the freedoms we have in Australia such as freedom of speech and freedom of worship.

The strength of our Australian society is that we are able to openly express our religious beliefs and live together in harmony and mutual respect.
Jewish people arrived in Australia with the first settlers and are a well- established and integral part of Australian society.

I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contribution of Australia’s Jewish community to our nation’s cultural, economic and social life.  The spirit of resilience and commitment to hard work and enterprise are values for which Australia’s Jewish community is particularly renowned.

Lucy and I wish all members of Australia’s Jewish community our best wishes for a joy filled Passover with family and friends. Chag Pesach Sameach!

 

Bill Shorten
Leader of the Opposition

ON behalf of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party I send my best wishes to the Australian Jewish community on the festival of Pesach.

One of the most important dates in the Jewish calendar, Pesach celebrates and reflects on the Jewish people’s liberation and victory from slavery in Egypt.
The rituals of Passover reflect this adage – drinking four cups of wine, reclining, eating matzah to recall the Jewish people’s inability to eat leavened bread as they fled Pharaoh.

It is a privilege to have the opportunity to celebrate and share with the Australian Jewish community, principles that reflect the strength of Australia’s multicultural tradition and emphasise religious freedom which is intrinsic to our national identity.

On this occasion, let us celebrate not only a major cultural festival, but also the contributions that the Jewish community have made to the mosaic that is Australia’s multicultural society.

As we salute the traditions of the Jewish faith, let us reaffirm our hope that this year’s festivities will usher in a spirit of reconciliation and peace, particularly for those who continue to experience oppression and persecution.

May you and your families be blessed with happiness, prosperity, peace and good health. Chag Sameach!

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