Press Release

PHL CONSULATE GENERAL IN CHICAGO TAKES PART IN A MODEL PASSOVER SEDER

CHICAGO 17 March 2023 – A delegation from the PHL Consulate General in Chicago attended a model Passover seder on 15 March 2023 at Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School located in Chicago. Titled “Diplomat, Interfaith and Community Leaders Seder,” the event was organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Chicago.

The delegation was headed by Consul General J. Susana V. Paez. She was joined by Consul Ryan Francis Gener, Consul Melvin Almonguera and other Consulate personnel.

A Passover seder is a Jewish home ritual, set around a dinner table, commemorating the biblical account on the Israelites’ liberation from their slavery in Egypt. A transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning “order,” a seder follows a set of rituals before dinner. Held on the first and sometimes the second night of the annual Passover celebration, it blends religious rituals, food, song and storytelling. This year, the Passover will start on 05 April 2023.

The event, a model Passover seder, was organized by the AJC Chicago to enable the participants to understand a major Jewish festival and the Jewish people. It is part of the AJC’s efforts to address anti-Semitism. It gathered more than a hundred representatives from Consular Missions, other religions and important sectors based in Chicago.

The event, a model Passover seder, was organized by the AJC Chicago to enable the participants to understand a major Jewish festival and the Jewish people. It is part of the AJC’s efforts to address anti-Semitism. It gathered more than a hundred representatives from Consular Missions, other religions and important sectors based in Chicago. END

Consul General J. Susana Paez and Consul Melvin Almonguera listening to the blessing before
the seder’s First Cup of Wine (Chicago PCG photo)

According to its website(www.ajc.org), the AJC is a global advocacy organization that promotes peace and democratic values. Its 14 overseas offices and 25 regional offices in the US likewise work with governments, the civil society and other partners to counter antisemitism. END

Consul Ryan Francis Gener and other PCG personnel discussing the seder’s rituals with other participants (Chicago PCG photo)

PCG personnel enjoying the traditional Matzo Ball Soup served after the seder (Chicago PCG photo)