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THE HON PETER DUTTON MP
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

HAPPY PASSOVER

On behalf of the Coalition, I extend my warmest wishes to Aus­trali­a’s 100,000 strong Jewish community as you celebrate Passover.

During the eight days of Passover, as you reflect on the story of your ancestors, may you find renewed strength in your faith and identity.

It is the Tanakh’s scrip­tures – spe­cific­ally the Torah’s book of Exodus – which recounts the events of how God instruc­ted and helped Moses to lead the Jewish people out of Egyptian slavery and into freedom.

The climactic moment comes with God’s parting and closing of the Red Sea – allowing the Jewish people to cross and pre­vent­ing the Egyptian forces from pursuing them. But for forty more years, the Jewish people would have to wander the desert before reaching the Promised Land.

Accord­ingly, Passover sym­bol­ises what drives and defines the Jewish people: the traits of per­sever­ance and resi­li­ence; the import­ance of freedom and a homeland.

In joining with Aus­trali­ans of Jewish faith in cel­eb­rat­ing Passover, we also condemn the repugnant rise of antisemitism around the world, including in Australia. Freedom of religious asso­ci­ation and freedom of speech are core tenets of liberal democracy which must always be defended.

To our wonderful Jewish community who have con­trib­uted so much across our nation in many fields of endeavour, we thank you.

I wish you all a happy Passover.

Chag Pesach Sameach!

Hon Peter Dutton MP
Leader of the Oppos­i­tion

April 2023