US President Barack Obama spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday and wished him and all of Israel a happy Passover.
Obama told Netanyahu he is scheduled to host a Passover Seder of his own in the White House later in the day, which heads of the Jewish community in the US will attend.
The prime minister reportedly thanked the American president for his warm wishes, and thanked him once again for the Congress' approval of additional budget for the development of future Iron Dome system.
Obama, on his part, expressed satisfaction that the anti-missile defense system proved effective vis-à-vis Gaza rocket fire.
He further expressed his appreciation of the way Netanyahu handled the recent escalation on the southern border. The two then discussed various other issues.
In his official Passover message released on April 15, Obama "prayed for peace" for Israel while calling for the alleviation of injustice against those "not yet free" in the Middle East.
"The story of Passover, which recalls the passage of the children of Israel from bondage and repression to freedom and liberty, inspires hope that those enslaved can become free".
"The seder, with its rich traditions and rituals, instructs each generation to remember its past while appreciating the beauty of freedom and the responsibility it entails. This year, that ancient instruction is reflected in the daily headlines as we see modern stories of social transformation and liberation and liberation unfolding in the Middle East and North Africa. Against the background of change, we continue to pray for peace between Israel and her neighbors while reaffirming our commitment to Israel's security."
Obama concluded by calling for the alleviation of "the suffering, poverty, injustice and hunger of those who are not yet free" and signed off "Chag Sameach," Hebrew for "Happy Holiday."