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A matzah package delivered to a Jewish community in London as part of a Europe-wide Passover campaign was defaced with the words “Free Palestine,” sparking concern among Jewish leaders over rising antisemitism.
The package was part of an annual distribution initiative led by the European Jewish Association (EJA), in cooperation with the Rabbinical Centre of Europe (RCE) and the BASSAD organization. The program aims to ensure that even small or under-resourced Jewish communities can observe the traditional Seder meal by providing them with matzah, the unleavened bread eaten during the holiday.
Roughly 120,000 packages of matzah were sent this year to more than 600 Jewish communities across Europe. While most deliveries went as planned, the incident in the United Kingdom drew condemnation and renewed fears of politicized attacks targeting Jewish communities.
“Passover is a time that unites Jewish communities around values of freedom, tradition and spiritual strength,” said Rabbi Menachem Margolin, chairman of the EJA. “We are proud of this year’s successful distribution, which brought joy and support to so many. Unfortunately, the report from England is disturbing. While people may hold different political views, using a religious delivery to send such a message—particularly during a holiday—is inappropriate and unsettling for the community that received it.”
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Margolin called for respectful dialogue and greater efforts to ensure Jewish communities across Europe feel secure.
“We urge respectful discourse and coexistence based on mutual understanding,” he said. “We hope this was an isolated case and remain committed to supporting Jewish communities, especially during sensitive times.”