March 31, 2026 — As we approach Pesach, the Festival of Freedom, we are reminded of the enduring power of our shared story, one that has been carried l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation. Each year, we gather around the seder table to retell the journey from bondage to freedom, from Egypt to Israel. We reaffirm where we come from, who we are and what we stand for. That journey is the very essence of Zionism, the miraculous return of the Jewish people to our homeland and the ability to sustain our presence there. And ever since the establishment of the modern State of Israel, the glorious Zionist story continues to uplift our spirits and dreams.
Last Pesach we prayed for the freedom of the hostages held in Gaza. Today, our hearts are with the people of Israel, who continue to live through the realities of war, siren after siren, rockets overhead, and the deep pain of lives lost. We mourn those who have fallen and stand with their families, with the injured, and with all those whose lives have been forever changed.
At the seder, we sing “Vehi She’amda,” a declaration that in every generation, enemies rise up against the Jewish people, and yet we endure. Even in moments of fear and uncertainty, we are not alone. Our story has always been one of resilience and survival.
We celebrate this holiday in a time of real challenge for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. In the face of threats from Iran and its proxies, and the worldwide scourge of antisemitism, the resilience of the Jewish people continues to show itself in ways both big and small. It is in how we support one another, how we show up, and how we hold on to hope.
Pesach calls on us to be אור לגויים—to shine a light unto the nations. In moments of darkness, we are reminded of our responsibility to bring light: through acts of kindness, through unity, and through a deepened commitment to our people, our values, and our connection to Israel.
As you prepare for the holiday, we encourage you to take advantage of the rich and informative resources made available by our partners, including the World Zionist Organization. These materials offer meaningful ways to deepen your seder experience, engage your families and communities, and connect the timeless story of our people with the realities of today.
May this Pesach bring a sense of renewal, connection, and, we hope, some peace. May we see quieter days ahead and a future of true shalom for Israel and for the Jewish people everywhere.
Chag Pesach Sameach and Shalom,
Mark Levenson, President; Shoshana Dweck, National Board Chair; and Herbert Block, Executive Director, of the American Zionist Movement (AZM)
