B.C. premier John Horgan issued the following statement to mark the first day of Passover:

“Beginning this evening at sunset, Jewish people throughout British Columbia and around the world will celebrate Passover.

“These are extraordinary times, and Passover celebrations will look different this year. Instead of gathering in person tonight for the seder, generations of family will find other ways to connect with each other, including by video chat, phone call or visiting from a safe physical distance. No matter how they choose to celebrate, many people will still enjoy food, wine, song and the retelling of the Exodus, when Israelites broke free from slavery in ancient Egypt.

“I know spending this holiday apart from family and friends is difficult. But now, more than ever, we must do everything we can to keep ourselves and others healthy and safe.

“The Passover holiday is a celebration of hope and optimism and reminds us to always fight for a better world. There is no better time than now for us to remember what we can overcome when we work together.

“To everyone in the Jewish community who is celebrating tonight and for the next eight days, I wish you Chag Pesach Sameach!”