Pollies’ Pesach greetings

TONY ABBOTT

THE epic story of the liberation of the Jewish people continues to inspire and unite Jewish communities around the world.

The story of the Exodus has been passed down through centuries of traditions and articulates some of the deepest needs of humanity: to be free, to have your own identity and to determine your own destiny.

It is a story that continues to resonate for Jews and non-Jews alike.

For the Jewish community, this moment in history is an opportunity to come together with family and friends, to pray, worship and reflect.

At this special time, we acknowledge the extraordinary contribution made to our nation by the Jewish community.

The industry, ingenuity, entrepreneurialism and community spirit exemplified by people of Jewish heritage have contributed much to Australia.

I send my best wishes to everyone celebrating Passover in Australia and around the world.

May you have a joyous Passover.

Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia

BILL SHORTEN

IT is my great pleasure to have this opportunity to wish the Jewish community a happy and peaceful Pesach.

The Pesach period is one of the most honoured and important times in the Jewish calendar. Based, as it is, on the themes of liberation and deliverance from slavery, it is symbolic of the struggle over generations of the Jewish people to achieve safety and security, and to live amid tolerance.

It is also a time to gather together in the warm circle of families and close friends and to share the values of the seder, in focusing on the importance of defending freedom and fighting oppression wherever it may be.

Despite the antiquity of Pesach, these themes remain as vital and constant for all of us today as they were for those fleeing the yoke of the Pharaoh. Pesach reminds us to reach out to support the peoples of the world who still endure the imposts of tyranny, persecution and oppression. It also reminds us of the need to be ever vigilant in the defence of the standards that help our own society remain the democratic haven and multicultural success it has become.

Pesach Sameach!

Bill Shorten, Leader of the Opposition