90 000 Australians celebrate Jewish festival of freedom
Sunday, 20 April 2008
More than 90 000 Australians will today celebrate Passover, one of the most important festivals of the Jewish community, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said today.
Mr Ferguson said Passover celebrated the story of the angel of death 'passing over' Jewish homes during the last of 10 plagues which showed that the Jewish people should be released from slavery in Egypt.
'A ceremony known as the Seder re-enacted the exodus of the Jews across the Red Sea on a journey from slavery into freedom,' Mr Ferguson said.
'The Seder is filled with elaborate rituals, food, stories and songs about the exodus of the Jews from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea by Moses.
'During the Passover celebrations, the traditional meal is unleavened bread or matzo.
'According to Jewish scripture, the Israelites had no time to bake proper bread when they were leaving Egypt.'
Mr Ferguson said the Jewish community in Australia began with the arrival of the First Fleet.
'Since then, Jewish Australians have been a significant part of our history,' the parliamentary secretary said.
'They have contributed to many spheres of Australian life including the arts, commerce, trade and the development of industry and technology.'
Mr Ferguson highlighted the Jewish community’s current work to build understanding and community harmony through interfaith dialogue.
Media Contact: Khaldoun Hajaj - 0404 078 692
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08027.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST