This is the week in which Jews all over the world will be celebrating Passover, the Feast of Freedom. We remember that we were enslaved in Egypt, and that we were rescued from that slavery, with signs and miracles. Because of this memory, and the annual reenactment of that redemption, we are required to love the stranger and preserve freedom for all.

Last year around this time, I wrote about freedom – dreaming what it means to be a free people. An egalitarian people where we care for each other, where no one is left behind. Where money does not buy impunity, housing and healthcare are a right, and all children are educated to be thoughtful citizens. Where people are free to be themselves, as they were created in the Image of the Divine, without fear. Where the safety and freedom of one group does not have to come at the expense of another.

This dream seems a little further away this year, as we watch with horror how our neighbour to the south falls deeper into fascism and authoritarianism, and listen to the unhinged calls for our annexation into their dystopia. As Canadians, what can we do to prepare for the worst?

The historian Timothy Snyder, in his book On Tyranny, gives us a list of twenty actions we can take – the first one is “Do not obey in advance”. Further down the list, he talks about being as courageous as possible, embracing critical thinking, speaking truth and caring for our neighbours. Fascists hate community, and will try to drive wedges between us. Let’s not let them. 

Dr Snyder explains that we here in North America are no wiser than the Europeans who saw their democracies destroyed in the twentieth century. We do, however, have the advantage of their example, so that we can avoid making the same mistakes. We do not have to cower in the face of tyranny, or go like lambs to the slaughter. Every time we speak up against cruel words or bullying, and stand up for the vulnerable among us, we make our community stronger and better able to withstand the hard times.

Let’s work together to make that True North, strong and free, a reality for all of us. Elbows up!

Wishing all who celebrate a joyous, safe Passover and Easter.