A Pesach Message from our Chair of the Board

AVI's Chair of the Board Matthew Friedberg delivers a profound message for Passover 2026

Tonight, as we gather around our Seder tables to mark the beginning of Pesach, we are called not only to retell the story of our ancestors’ liberation, but to reflect on what it asks of us today.

Passover reminds us of the resilience of the Jewish People, our enduring bond to our indigenous homeland, and the power of unity in overcoming even the greatest and most difficult adversities.

In this moment, that unity is not just meaningful. It is essential. We are living in a time when surveys and lived experience alike show a painful reality: Jews across the political spectrum are becoming increasingly divided. Conversations have broken down. Assumptions have replaced understanding. And too often, we are quick to judge, take sides, and assume the worst in each other.

But politics is not who we are. Before anything else, we are one people – Am Yisrael.

We do not need to agree on everything. In fact, our tradition has always valued debate and diverse perspectives. But disagreement must never come at the cost of our shared identity, our mutual respect, or our responsibility to one another. We must resist the pull toward extremes and instead choose strength, dignity, and respectful dialogue.

Our collective strength depends on our willingness to engage in courageous and honest conversations about who we are as a people, about our history, our indigeneity, and the remarkable resilience that has carried us forward throughout generations. That strength also depends on our ability to remain united – especially when it is most difficult.

This commitment to education and dialogue, both within our community and beyond, defines who we are and shapes our path forward.

At the same time, we must continue to engage with our allies beyond the Jewish community, working together to confront the divisive hatred that is tearing at the fabric of our broader society. In that regard, it is an honour to serve as Chair of Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) and witness so many courageous young people – Jewish and non-Jewish alike – speaking out against the normalization of anti-Israel hatred in schools and on university campuses.

Through AVI, we have educated thousands of students and teachers by bringing our workshops to schools across the country; empowered university students of all backgrounds to bring conversations about Israel back to campus; hosted unity socials and solidarity panels on campus; partnered with our friends in the Iranian community to stand against the genocidal IRGC; built bridges with Hindu, Indigenous, Christian, and Catholic leaders and groups; and other initiatives to stand up for Am Yisrael. 

In all of this work, our goal has been clear: to foster understanding, elevate respectful dialogue, and build bridges across different cultures, faiths, creeds, ethnicities, and political affiliations.

The Passover story teaches us a profound truth: freedom does not come from silence, isolation, or echo chambers. It comes from courage, leadership, and voices willing to speak with both conviction and humility. Like Moses, each of us carries the responsibility to stand firmly in our truth while also creating space for others; stepping beyond comfort zones to build understanding, challenge misinformation, and strengthen our collective future.

As we observe this sacred holiday, let us recommit ourselves to staying strong, remaining united as one people, and choosing respect even in disagreement. In doing so, we honour not only our past, but we safeguard our future.

Wishing you a meaningful, united, and hopeful Passover.