Turkey president sends Passover wishes to nation's Jews

By Aynur Ekiz

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey’s president on Friday released a message expressing Passover (Pesach) holiday greetings to the nation’s Jewish community.

"Our social structure, based on respect for peace and all beliefs, cemented with mutual love and respect and enriched by its differences, is the foundation of our firm unity and solidarity," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in his message.

Passover, which commemorates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt under the Prophet Moses, is considered one of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar.

Stressing Turkey’s multicultural, multi-faith character, Erdogan emphasized the importance that all sectors of Turkish society "live their religions and traditions freely."

"On the occasion of their holidays, I would like to express my best wishes to all Jews, especially our Jewish citizens, with whom we live in peace, and greet them with my heart."

* Writing by Sibel Morrow