Dear friends --

As we near Pesach, it is timely to reflect on freedom. The haggadah tells the enduring story of the emergence of a free people from circumstances of dire affliction. The beautiful tradition of re-telling this story with family and friends each year has built a deep appreciation of freedom into the foundation of our history as a people. Over time, the Exodus has also become a powerful symbol of the yearning for freedom of all people.

Sixty-five years ago, Israel was established as the modern Jewish state and promised in its Declaration of Independence to safeguard the rights and freedoms of all its inhabitants, regardless of religion and ethnicity.

There is so much to be grateful for and proud of in the extraordinary achievements of modern Israel. But every democracy is a work in progress and much remains to be done to realise the vision of Israel’s founders.

As we celebrate Pesach, we reflect on all that we cherish in the freedom and Jewish self-determination made real again by Israel, and we also renew our commitment to work for greater freedom of religion, of association, from deprivation and marginalisation, from terrorism and conflict, and from imposed rule by others.

This Pesach you may be interested in adding some of these resources to your seder:

• The Jewish Daily Forward’s special Pesach section, which includes stories, commentary, kashrut updates, and recipes
• Themed haggadot from the Religious Action Centre
• Texts, commentaries and additions to help "share your commitment to social justice" from the American Jewish World Service
• The Uri L'Tzedek Food and Justice Haggadah Supplement featuring essays, insights and action to unite food, social justice, and ethical consumption from an Orthodox perspective
• The ‘Love and Justice’ haggadah (which, though from 2003, still has some great parts to it)

On behalf of NIF Australia, we thank you for your support and wish you and your family chag Pesach sameach v’kasher.