"Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Passover here in America, in the State of Israel, and around the world," US President Barack Obama said on Monday as his family prepared for their fifth Seder in the White House."Passover is a celebration of the freedom our ancestors dreamed of, fought for, and ultimately won," Obama said in a statement.Following his first visit to Israel as president, Obama reminded the world that "responsibility does not end when we reach the promised land, it only begins." The American president stated that on his trip, he had the chance to speak with young Israelis who saw "how the dream of true freedom found its full expression in those words of hope from Hatikvah," Obama continued in Hebrew, "To be a free people in our land.""As my family and I prepare to once again take part in this ancient and powerful tradition, I am hopeful that we can draw upon the best in ourselves to find the promise in the days that lie ahead, meet the challenges that will come, and continuing the hard work of repairing the world," he said.The Hebrew parts of his speech rallied great enthusiasm in Israel during his visit, and in his statement on Passover, Obama sought to maintain this support, wishing "all those celebrating Passover here in America, in the State of Israel, and around the world" a Chag sameach.
