President Donald Trump focused on the celebrations of Easter and Passover in his weekly address. He first acknowledged the celebration of Passover, saying, “The story of the Exodus is a story of freedom. It is the story of an incredible people who were liberated from oppression and raised up the face of humankind.”
He moved on to talk about the strength the Jewish people have shown throughout history in the face of violence and persecution. In the process, he celebrated the importance of the nation of Israel. “Down through the centuries, the Jewish People have lived through one persecution after another–and yet, they persevered and thrived and uplifted the world beyond measure. And now, the State of Israel stands as a monument to their faith and endurance.”
The President used the celebration of Easter to talk about the importance of religious freedom and reminded his fellow Americans of the blessing the nation has enjoyed. “This Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the promise of eternal salvation. It is a holy day of reverence and worship; it is a sacred time that fills the spirit of our Nation with the faith of our people.” Then he continued, “As families gather in houses of worship across the Nation, we are grateful for the tremendous blessings of this land, our home. We have a beautiful country, an abundant countryside, and an amazing people with a truly bright and wonderful future.”
Many around the world do not enjoy the religious freedom Americans often take for granted, and the President condemned terrorist attacks aimed at Christians in Egypt. He offered words of comfort to their families and expressed his hope for a world in which all enjoy freedom. “We mourn for those who lost loved ones. And we pray for the strength and wisdom to achieve a better tomorrow—one where good people of all faiths, Christians and Muslims and Jewish and Hindu, can follow their hearts and worship according to their conscience.”
He closed the message with a word to Americans who are struggling, many of whom formed the backbone of his support in the 2016 election. “I also want to give a special message to those struggling Americans who have felt for too long the bitter taste of hardship. I want you to know: this White House is fighting for you. We are fighting for every American who has been left behind. We are fighting for the right of all citizens to enjoy safety and peace—and to work and live with the dignity that all Children of God are entitled to know.”