"Why is this night different from all other nights?"

Recite this phrase in any language, almost anywhere in the world, and it will immediately be recognized as the first question the youngest child of a household asks at a Passover Seder.  For thousands of years, Jewish people have been retelling this ancient story about the Israelites, and how they escaped from bondage and miraculously crossed the Red Sea to gain their freedom.

On the eve of April 5, 2004 (14 Nissan 5764) we will sit down at our dinner tables and yet again commemorate this holiday, remembering that "we too were once slaves in Egypt".  Apart from being a tradition that Jews have kept for time immemorial, one has to wonder, does this message still have relevance and value in today's world?

Unfortunately, ever since those biblical times, the Jewish people have repeatedly faced hardship and anti-Semitism, have had their freedoms taken away, have been discriminated against, have been in grave danger, and have lost too many of our people.  Regrettably there have been too many "Pharaos, Hamans, and Antiochuses" in our history.

Every new wave of immigration, and every urgent call for opening doors to refugees, is living proof that so many are still, in these times, forced to depart their beloved cities, towns and villages to escape old plagues dressed up in new packaging.  There always seems to be  a set of luggage waiting at every door as welcome mats are constantly being pulled from under our feet.  "Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose." ("The more things change, the more they remain the same.")

At Jewish Immigrant Aid Services of Canada, the welcome mat is always out, and our mezuzah stands ready to bless anyone who walks through our doors, which are always open to anyone in need.  Our reputation stands on its own, and as long as the world's Jews need us, we will be here for them.  Our Haggadah, sadly, has too many volumes about people escaping dangerous situations, having to move to a new country, and having to go through the daunting process of resettling and integrating into their new lives.  JIAS is a lifeline that connects them to their new Jewish communities and Canadian society at large.  We stand proud of the fact that we have helped countless individuals and families for over 80 years, with their hopes an dreams of living a better life.

At Passover, it is customary to consume four cups of wine to symbolize the four promises of redemption, while one is set for the Prophet Elijah.  Why not consider setting a sixth this year, for all those who may soon be at our doorstep, and to whom we can easily and happily offer "an outstretched arm." 

On behalf of the Board and Staff of Canada, we wish all of you a safe and  happy holiday - Chag Sameach!

Leslie Wilder, President                      Mila Voihanski, Executive Director