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US President Barack Obama at last year Passover seder at the White House.
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WASHINGTON (EJP)--- "Throughout our history, there are those who have targeted the Jewish people for harm – a fact we were so painfully reminded of just a few weeks ago in Toulouse," US President Barack Obama said in a web video posted Thursday on the eve of hosting the fourth annual White House seder, the ritual feast that marks the start of the Jewish holiday of Passover on Friday.
He was referring to the attack last month of a Jewish school in the city of Toulouse, France.
The holiday of Pessah marks the exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt.
"Just as throughout history, there have been those who have sought to oppress others because of their faith, ethnicity or color of their skin," Obama said, adding that Jews have long been persecuted but have persisted with "faith that liberty will ultimately prevail over tyranny."
During Passover, Obama said, Jews "will ask one of our life’s most difficult questions: Once we have passed from bondage to liberty, how do we make the most of all that God has given us?"
"Though there may never be a satisfactory answer, "the search for answers has deepened the Jewish people’s commitment to repairing the world, and inspired American Jews to help make our union more perfect," he said. "And the story of that first Exodus has also inspired those who are not Jewish with common hopes, and a common sense of obligation."
He also referred to Friday’s seder at the White House.
"This is a very special tradition – and it’s one I’m proud to be taking part of tomorrow night, at the fourth annual White House seder," he said. "Led by Jewish members of my staff, we’ll retell the story of the Exodus, listen to our youngest guest ask the four questions, and of course, look forward to a good bowl of matzo ball soup.”
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'Next Year in the White House'
In April 2008, Barack Obama and his staff were on the trail in Pennsylvania in the midst of a long primary campaign. Weary from a long day of work and away from their families, a small group of staffers came together to hold an impromptu Seder. When then-Senator Obama got wind of the Seder, he gathered some other staff and friends and decided to join. At the end of the Seder, the President followed the traditional “Next year in Jerusalem” declaration with a pledge of his own – “Next year in the White House.” Each year since, he has followed through on that promise.
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"Michelle and I are proud to celebrate with friends here at home and around the world, including those in the State of Israel," Obama said, wishing the Jewish community a "Chag sameach."
The results of a Public Religion Research Institute poll released earlier this week found that 62 percent of American Jews say they support Obama's reelection when he's matched with a generic Republican.
Obama won close to 80 percent of the Jewish vote in 2008.