Passover: Group tasks Jewish community on Nigeria’s devt.

Mr Yatov Ben-Yisrael, Executive Director of the Initiative for Progressive Jewish Development (IPJD), has urged Jewish community in Nigeria to champion the nation’s building, security and agricultural development.

Ben-Yisrael, in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, gave the advice while commemorating the 2025 Jewish Passover.

Passover is annually observed from April 12 to April 20, 2025. It is the Jewish spring festival celebrating freedom and family as Jews remember the exodus from Egypt more than 3,000 years ago

This year’s Easter and Passover overlap because they are both based on lunar calendars — albeit different ones.

Ben-Yisrael, who also serves as the Nigerian Representative to the Sub-Sahara Jewish Alliance (SAJA) and Head of International Relations, SAJA Africa, sent his greetings to the Jewish community in Nigeria and around the world.

The IPJD boss reflected on the meaning of the season—freedom, renewal, and divine purpose, urging Jews in Nigeria to play an active and patriotic role in shaping the nation’s future.

“As we commemorate our journey from bondage to freedom, let us embrace our duty to contribute to the growth of our society.

“Passover is not only a reminder of our history but a call to action—to be instruments of peace, innovation, and national unity.”

He emphasised the growing positive contributions of Jewish community in Nigeria in the areas of national security support, agricultural development, and sustainable nation-building.

Ben-Yisrael called on the Jews to deepen their involvement in efforts that uplift both urban and rural populations.

“We must rise as bridge-builders, peacemakers, and contributors to Nigeria’s development agenda.

“Our people are already making impact across security initiatives, agri-business support services, and youth empowerment programmes. Now is the time to do even more.”

Ben-Yisrael also reaffirmed the Jewish community’s unwavering prayers and support for Nigeria and its leadership.

“We will always pray for Nigeria, and for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he drives forward his economic transformation agenda. May wisdom, peace, and prosperity guide his administration and our collective path.”

Ben-Yisrael said IPJD and SAJA remained committed to promoting interfaith dialogue, cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and peaceful coexistence across Africa.

“Chag Pesach Sameach! May this season of liberation bring hope, healing, and renewed strength to all,” he said

Passover (Pesach in Hebrew) is a major Jewish spring festival celebrating freedom and family as we remember the Exodus from Egypt more than 3,000 years ago.

The main observances of this holiday center around a special home service called the seder, which includes a festive meal, the prohibition on eating chametz, and the eating of matzah.

On the 15th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, Jews gather with family and friends in the evening to read from a book called the Haggadah, meaning “telling,” which contains the order of prayers, rituals, readings, and songs for the Passover seder.

The Haggadah helps us retell the events of the Exodus, so that each generation may learn and remember this story that is so central to Jewish life and history.