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MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER
PASSOVER

It is with great pleasure that I offer you the greeting that has resounded through the ages:
Chag Pesach Sameach.

As Jewish Aus­trali­ans celebrate Passover, the stories and symbols of the Seder table bring
to life a larger story: one of lib­er­a­tion and endurance, of triumph over adversity, of redemp­tion and hope.

The late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks reflected:
           “There is a fun­da­ment­al dif­fer­ence between living with the past and living in the
            past. Judaism is a religion of memory. We remember the exodus annually, even
            daily. But we do so for the sake of the future, not the past”

All Aus­trali­ans can listen to this message, and reflect on how we can learn from our
history to create a better future.

As we think about the future we seek to create together, I want to reiterate my unshake­able
belief that extremism and hatred have no place in Aus­trali­an society. I unequi­voc­ally
condemn the shocking and dis­tress­ing public displays of anti-Semitism, intol­er­ance and
neo-Nazi ideology we saw recently in Victoria.

My Gov­ern­ment is working hard to address this serious issue in a mean­ing­ful way, and
to advance pro­tec­tion against vili­fic­a­tion of people of faith. I am confident these moves
will be embraced by Aus­trali­ans, another source of pride in our inclusive and diverse
nation.

Passover is always a powerful inspir­a­tion, and a reminder of the courage, strength and
resi­li­ence of the Jewish people.

As you gather with family and loved ones for this most important cel­eb­ra­tion, I wish
Jewish Aus­trali­ans a happy Passover.

Chag Kasher V’Sameach.

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
Prime Minister of Australia
April 2023.