On Saturday, the Turkish president issued a statement wishing the Jewish community a Happy Passover (Pesach).
“From the bottom of my heart, I express best wishes to our Jewish citizens on the occasion of Passover,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan remarked. “The fact that our Jewish residents, with whom we have shared the same territories for generations and who have made significant contributions to our country’s development in every area, live in peace, security, and tranquillity is an assurance of our country’s unity.”
Erdogan emphasized that the august nation once again demonstrated, in the face of the Feb. 6 earthquake, that they are capable of conquering any adversity by banding together.
“Our Jewish citizens, who have responded in a spirit of solidarity since the beginning of the earthquakes, have also demonstrated a commendable posture,” he continued.
“I congratulate all my Jewish citizens on their sensitivity, which has reinforced our unity and solidarity as 85 million people,” he continued, referring to the Turkish nation.
“I share our Jewish compatriots’ joy on this occasion of Pesach, and I wish them and all Jews well,” he stated.
The Passover, or Pesach, holiday celebrates the departure of the Hebrews from Egypt under the prophet Moses and is regarded as one of the holiest periods on the Jewish calendar.
Passover begins on the evening of April 5 and ends on the evening of April 13.