Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chair emeritus of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, told Newsmax on Wednesday that this year's Passover is unfolding under the same shadow that has followed the Jewish people for thousands of years: hatred, persecution, and the struggle for freedom.
He said the themes of Passover are not confined to ancient history but are playing out in real time as Jews in Israel and around the world confront rising antisemitism and violence.
Appearing on "National Report" hours before Passover begins at sundown, Hoenlein pointed to the harsh realities facing Israelis as Iranian missile attacks continue to send civilians into bomb shelters and disrupt everyday life.
Those threats have also altered religious observances, with security concerns affecting access to some of Judaism's holiest sites and forcing families and communities to celebrate under difficult conditions.
"It certainly has an impact," Hoenlein said, as Jews around the world think about "brothers and sisters who are living under such difficult circumstances."
Even so, he said the holiday is continuing with the same spirit of endurance that has defined the Jewish people throughout history.
"We also are inspired by their resilience, by their power," Hoenlein said, noting that Passover celebrations are still taking place in homes, synagogues, and communities, even if on a more limited scale.
The meaning of Passover may feel even more immediate this year, he said, because the holiday's message speaks directly to the current moment.
"The message of Passover — [a] 3,000-year message — is as relevant today as ever," Hoenlein said, describing it as "the fight against hatred, bigotry, the fight for liberation, [and] for freedom."
He drew a direct line between the biblical pharaoh and the antisemitism seen today, calling the Egyptian ruler "the prototype for the Jew-hatred that we have seen through the generations, through the centuries, even up until today."
Hoenlein warned that the danger is not only overseas but also growing in the United States.
"It is unfortunate that we see this hatred, this cancer, rising in America at this time," he said.
Jewish institutions nationwide have added precautionary measures and are working with law enforcement to protect worshippers during the holiday.
"There's increased security at our institutions across the country," he said, adding that people "should be able to worship freely" and attend synagogue "without fear."
Urging stronger action to confront radical ideologies and educate younger generations, Hoenlein warned that antisemitism threatens more than just the Jewish community.
"This affects not just Jews; it affects everyone," he said. "Everybody who cares about America, about freedom, about justice."
He closed with a reminder that the lesson of Passover remains universal.
"When one group is free, all of us get freed," Hoenlein said. "When one is in prison, all of us are imprisoned."
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Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
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