“And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt” (Deuteronomy 16:12), state the words written for Passover, the Festival of Freedom. Remember so as not to abuse the foreigner or the other, remember so that you shall take care of those in need.
In the past year, despite the widespread social protest, the poor became poorer and the rich became even richer. It is outraging that many people will sit in front of a frugal meal this holiday evening. It is appalling that the poor must pay Value Added Tax for every glass of water they drink, for every moment they turn on a light bulb in order to drive away the darkness of their distress.
Recently, the hand of the authorities became heavier in the Occupied Territories, even towards those who wave the flag of nonviolent protest; the tendency to silence our brothers, the Arab citizens of Israel, grew stronger, despite their great contribution to the prosperity of our society. In the past year, the persecution of refugees that knock on our doors, fleeing from war and famine, has increased.
No happiness can be complete when a neighboring house is in need, suffering from hunger, or subjected to oppression. I wish for all of us that in the coming holiday we shall be more humane, both within our families and to others.
Happy spring holidays and may we all achieve freedom.
Sami Michael
President
Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI)
