B.C. Premier John Horgan issued the following statement today (March 27) in honour of Passover:

"Jewish people throughout British Columbia and around the world will begin to gather in their households this evening to mark the beginning of Passover.

"As families sit down to their seders at sunset, they'll enjoy food, share songs, and take time to honour their history and the fight for freedom from oppression—past and present.

"Passover is also a time of optimism and hope, and we have so much to be hopeful for this spring. As we move ahead with our COVID-19 immunization program, a return to regular life is on the horizon. While we are close to the finish line, we aren't there yet.

"As we slowly open again, synagogues, temples, and churches will be able to safely welcome back their communities in small groups. We know people have missed these connections, and we hope we will be able to gradually resume the parts of our lives we have been missing.

"Many people will still be spending this holiday away from their family and friends. I want to thank you for the sacrifices you've made to help keep communities safe over the past year. The pandemic has been incredibly difficult, but we can look forward to better days ahead.

"On behalf of all British Columbians, I wish all those in the Jewish community Chag Pesach Sameach!"