The message and story of Passover—of liberation and freedom—are especially meaningful and poignant now, as the Russian attack on Ukraine enters its seventh week.

This year, those of us living in freedom may cherish it a little more. Those living outwardly as Jews in places without fear of persecution may feel a bit more grateful than in other years.

Since Russia began its brutal assault on the sovereign nation of Ukraine on Feb. 24, our members and supporters around the world have rallied. We have sent warm clothes, food, hygiene items, baby formula, medicines and comforting aids such as stuffed teddy bears for children. We have had teams on the borders in Poland and Romania to help at refugee centers and to restore some humanity to those who have left behind all they know.

We have sent medicines into Ukraine to ensure the health of those living in unimaginably difficult war-time conditions.

And we are helping to safeguard a small measure of Jewish continuity, with a shipment of Passover specialty foods delivered to the B’nai B’rith Leopolis Lodge in Lviv, including Matzoh, gefilte fish and cookies. This delivery is especially meaningful as Ukraine was a center of Jewish life in Europe for centuries.

As we sit down to our seders this year, we will pause to appreciate our freedoms and to wish for peace in Ukraine and for Jews everywhere. #PassoverLiberationForUkraine

Seth J. Riklin, B’nai B’rith International President        Daniel S. Mariaschin, ​B’nai B’rith CEO