NATAN organized the “Passover in Przemysl” multicultural celebration, hosting it along with the JDC, UJA Federation of New York, the JCC of Krakow, the Polish cultural group Folkowisko Association and the NGO Ebenezer Operation Exodus. The event was attended by some 150 aid workers, refugees and other guests. This was a multi-faith, ecumenical event to mark the Jewish holiday and celebrate its shared universal values of freedom, renewal and gratitude. Participants of all faiths lit candles, sang traditional songs, shared wine and a vegetarian feast, and discussed Passover’s timeless story. The special Seder plate included olives, symbolizing the prayer for peace in Ukraine.

Guests included 30 Reform Judaism rabbis from the USA who were on a fact-finding visit to the area. Earlier in the day, the rabbis visited the Medyka border crossing and the Przemysl refugee center, where they received a briefing and situation update from Gil Reines, NATAN’s Head of Mission in Przemysl.

The Passover event was dedicated to the refugees who are far from home and can’t celebrate the season’s holidays with their families. Prayers were said for all who were forced to flee their homes in Ukraine and for their loved ones left behind. Passover is the festival of freedom — from slavery and oppression. The event was attended by volunteers from international organizations, many of them from Israel. In addition to the hosts: the JDC, the JCC of Krakow, UJA Federation of NY and NATAN, representatives of the following organizations attended: Cadena Foundation, Folkowisko Association, Ebenezer Operation Exodus, Topaz Social Innovations, Hadassah Hospital of Jerusalem, the Polish Red Cross.