Dear Friends,
I hope you and your loved ones are faring well in these extremely challenging times.
How poignant it is to be sending you greetings for the upcoming Passover festival, of which freedom is such a dominant theme, when dozens of our brothers and sisters are still being held in captivity in Gaza, facing an uncertain future. I am also writing these words in the shadow of the contemptible Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel, which underscores yet again the sinister nature of the regime in Tehran.
Please be assured that we at the World Jewish Congress continue to call for the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining hostages and are doing all we can to aid in that effort. Since the October 7th attacks, we have also insisted that the international community unequivocally condemn Hamas and reaffirm Israel’s legitimate right to self-defense.
At the same time, we know that around the world there has been a huge increase in antisemitism, and we are dedicating our efforts and resources to combating manifestations of this phenomenon, whether actual physical or verbal attacks or content on social media platforms.
As we sit around the Seder table and recount the seminal story of the Exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt and the birth of the Jewish nation, I hope you will have the privilege of being surrounded by your family and friends.
It is my fervent hope and prayer that this holiday of liberation portends better days ahead: that the hostages will be freed, that all the valiant men and women in the IDF will return home safely, and that Jews around the world will be able to live proud Jewish lives in safety and security.
Wishing you a meaningful Pesach,
Ronald S. Lauder
President
World Jewish Congress
