Obama's Pesach message: No God, No Jerusalem, No Israel
Obama's letter read: "This evening, Jewish individuals, families, and their friends in America, Israel, and around the world will gather around the Seder table to celebrate the sacred festival of Passover."With rich symbols, rituals, and traditions, they will tell the story of the Exodus – the journey of the children of Israel from slavery to freedom, from grief to joy, from darkness to light, and from suffering to redemption."
"The enduring story of the Exodus teaches us that, wherever we live, there is oppression to be fought and freedom to be won. In retelling this story from generation to generation, we are reminded of our ongoing responsibility to fight against all forms of suffering and discrimination, and we reaffirm the ties that bind us all," he wrote.The US president ended his letter saying, "My family and I send our warmest wishes for a joyous and meaningful Passover."
A statement signed by President Obama said the story of the miraculous redemption of the Jewish people from under the lash of Egyptian slavery is a lesson in fighting suffering, discrimination, and oppression. [CH: Apparently Obama doesn't know that it was God alone who redeemed the Jewish people, it was not a "fight"] "In retelling this story from generation to generation, we are reminded of our ongoing responsibility to fight against all forms of suffering and discrimination," Obama wrote, saying "wherever we live, there is oppression to be fought and freedom to be won."
Obama also said the seder encourages hope "that we can repair this world."
Just a week ago, however, Obama reportedly snubbed Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu when the Israeli leader was in Washington. According to reports, Obama excused himself from a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu in order to have dinner with his wife Michelle -- a dinner to which the Netanyahus were not invited.
Prime Minister Netanyahu also recently endured a long tirade by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who chastised the prime minister for embarrassing US Vice President Joe Biden by allowing the announcement of a new building plan in Jerusalem during Biden's visit to Israel.
Since then, Obama has attended two seders as President.
Monday night's seder was attended by daughters Malia and Sasha, who took part in the customary search for the afikoman, the "dessert" piece of matzah at the end of the meal, often hidden by children who barter for a prize in exchange for it.
Tonight Jewish families all over the world will gather to celebrate Passover, the story of Exodus and the freedom of the Jewish people from bondage. This holiday reminds us of the sacrifices that are still being made for freedom – the U.S. troops who are away from their families so that we can be with ours, and the Israeli people, who struggle for peace with their neighbors even as they face the threat of war.“Next year in Jerusalem” will be the refrain echoed by Jewish families as they finish their Seders tonight. It is a stark reminder that whatever the threats the Jewish people have faced, whatever the struggles, their connection to Jerusalem is ancient and unshakable. On this Passover holiday, our family sends our best wishes to all who are celebrating. Chag kasher V'Sameach. Happy Passover. And next year in Jerusalem.