Dozens of refugees from the Ukraine war, along with aid workers, have been invited to attend a multifaith Passover seder dinner for some 200 people on April 12 in Przemyśl, in southeastern Poland, to mark the Jewish holiday and celebrate the universal values of freedom, renewal and gratitude in a free event organized by NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief and partner aid groups.
NATAN, which has stationed doctors and social workers on the Polish-Ukraine border to aid refugees since the war started on Feb. 24, is organizing the “Passover in Przemyśl.” It is hosting it along with UJA-Federation of New York, the Jewish Community Center of Krakow and the Polish cultural group Folkowisko Association.
The ecumenical gathering will feature parts of the traditional seder, which celebrates the Jewish people’s escape from slavery in Egypt.
Along with 20 Reform Judaism rabbis visiting the area who will join the event, participants of all faiths will light candles, share wine and a vegetarian feast, and discuss Passover’s timeless story. This event will also include olives, symbolizing the olive branch a dove brought to Noah as a sign the floods receded and humanity would be given a second chance.
“On Passover, we remember the exodus from Egypt, and we pray for all who have left Ukraine and for those who stayed behind,” said NATAN Chair Daniel Kahn. “The refugees may not be able to celebrate their holidays with loved ones at home, but they can join us in experiencing Passover and its stories of freedom from oppression. This year we celebrate together, here in Poland.”
