BRIEFING ROOM

A PASSOVER MESSAGE
April 10, 2025

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An integral part of the Passover holiday is retelling the story of the journey from darkness to light, from slavery to freedom. The Exodus from Egypt was not just a historical event — it was a pivotal moment that shaped our identity and defined our purpose across generations. Each year, we return to this story. Though ancient, it resonates with a fresh urgency every time we recount it. Its message is timeless because the struggle for freedom is ongoing, always demanding our vigilance, our fortitude, and our faith.
 

Today, that struggle feels especially urgent. Freedom is under siege — from our right to make decisions about our own bodies to the right of Jewish students to walk their campuses without fear, to the fundamental right to live without the shadow of gun violence.
 

We say at our seder we are not free until we are all free. More than 550 days later, we are still fighting for the release of the nearly 60 hostages held captive in Gaza, separated from their families. They will spend their second Passover in darkness and fear, trapped beneath rubble surrounded above and below by those who seek the destruction of Israel and Jews. Although they may not know it is Passover, we will make room at our Seder tables in our hearts for them. They are not forgotten. We will continue to work for their freedom.

During these uncertain times, both here and abroad, especially in Israel, we feel vulnerable. We have faced this situation repeatedly. Throughout our history, there have been too many moments when our existence and future were in doubt.

We’ve encountered Pharaohs in every era. Yet, in each generation, it has taken people like Miriam — fierce, faithful, and unafraid — to guide us through treacherous waters, to stand up and fight back even when it seems impossible.

Miriam, who bravely stepped in to save Moses, had the courage to act when others stood still. Then, when leaving Egypt with those around her frightened and scared, she danced. She danced because she believed in the great hope and promise of a better tomorrow that lay ahead.

This Passover, may you never stop believing and fighting for the promise of freedom and better days for all. May you be your own Miriam.

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Click here to see how the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem is celebrating passover.