A Passover Message from IDI President Yohanan Plesner
Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
Dear Friends,
None of the Seders of the past six years has felt completely normal. Nevertheless, as we prepare to celebrate Passover amid barrages of incoming ballistic missiles, it is clear that this Seder will be like no other. Our thoughts are first and foremost with the courageous men and women of the IDF in the mountains of Lebanon and in the skies over Teheran – together with their brave American counterparts – who will be spending the holiday far away from their families. Our thoughts are also with our beleaguered Jewish brethren in Iran. We pray that they too will taste freedom in the not-too-distant future.
Despite the unpleasant circumstances, there is reason to celebrate. Passover, the 'holiday of spring,' brings with it the hope of growth and renewal. Indeed, we see the signs of spring all around us in Israel these days. And just as winter comes to an end and nature is reborn, this long war will eventually end. Israelis will emerge from their shelters and safe rooms, and later this year they will be given the opportunity to participate in the central ritual of democratic renewal and shape the future of their country. At the conclusion of one of the most turbulent periods in Israel’s history, the country is undoubtedly in need of a reckoning – a heshbon nefesh, as we call it in Hebrew. Israelis have big choices to make—about their place in the region, the policies of their government and the very character of the state.
Our job is to help Israelis and their elected leaders make informed choices, based on data and expertise, that will ensure Israel emerges from this war stronger, more prosperous and more committed to its founding ideals. These days, my colleagues at IDI, even as they shelter at home with their families, are putting the finishing touches on detailed plans for post-war renewal that will enable our elected leaders to hit the ground running.
Every year, the Seder reminds us of the trials our people have endured over the last three thousand years. This recounting of past tribulations serves to illuminate our present challenges and remind us that we have in the end persevered and flourished. We celebrate this year because, despite all of its challenges and imperfections, the State of Israel provides us with the best chance we have ever had to make sure that our people's best days are yet to come.
None of the work we do at IDI would be possible with the support of our friends around the world. We are grateful for your friendship and support. We wish you all a happy Passover and hope that we can all celebrate together next year in Jerusalem.
Yohanan Plesner
President
The Israel Democracy Institute
