A Pesach Message from our Chair of the Board

AVI's Chair of the Board Matthew Friedberg delivers a profound message for Passover

Tonight, as we gather around our Seder tables to mark the beginning of Passover, we are called not only to retell the story of our ancestors’ liberation but also to deeply consider its lessons for our own time. Passover reminds us of the resilience of the Jewish people, our enduring bond to our ancestral homeland, and the power of unity in overcoming even the greatest, most difficult adversities. 

In our current moment, unity within our own community is more critical than ever. Our collective strength hinges upon our willingness to actively engage in courageous, truthful conversations about who we are as a people—about our history, indigeneity, and the remarkable resilience that has carried us forward through generations.

This commitment to education and dialogue, both within our community and with our allies, is not merely valuable, it is essential. It defines who we are and determines our path forward. 

It is also important that we engage with our allies outside the Jewish community and work together to combat the divisive hatred that is tearing our society apart. In that vein, it has been an honour to serve as the Chair of Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) and watch so many brave young students speaking out against the anti-Israel hatred that has been normalized in our schools and on our college and university campuses.

Through AVI, we have educated hundreds of Catholic students and teachers across Ontario, engaged university students who are members of Hindu, Ethiopian, Christian, Iranian, and Muslim communities, hosted solidarity panels at campuses such as U Ottawa, Concordia, and U Calgary, highlighting the need to respect diverse voices, and working with our partners in the Christian community to promote awareness and education of these critical issues.

The Passover narrative underscores a profound truth: freedom comes not from isolation, echo chambers, or silence, but from bold leadership and brave voices willing to speak openly in the pursuit of justice. Like Moses, each of us today bears the responsibility to stand confidently in our truths, stepping beyond our comfort zones to foster genuine understanding, confront misinformation, and build empathetic alliances that strengthen and protect our community.

As we observe this important holiday, let us recommit ourselves with clarity and resolve—to unity within our community, meaningful education, and fearless conversation. Only then can we truly honour our ancestors’ courage and lay a foundation of strength and cooperation for generations yet to come.