In honor of families, parents and children living with multiple sclerosis, and in order to encourage broader public awareness and understanding, the Israel Multiple Sclerosis Society invited children and youths aged 6 to 21, who are close to someone with multiple sclerosis, to create works of art that express their feelings about the subject. The children’s artwork reflects a connection between the subjects of the Haggadah and the many facets of multiple sclerosis – the difficulties it causes, the understanding it often evokes, and the human values it cannot destroy. The children created the artwork using a variety of techniques and materials, with the works freely relating to subjects connected to the Haggadah and to their lives at school, within the family, with their friends, and in other life situations related to the illness.

As we all know, the most important things in life are at once sad and happy, and are an open book for children. Children have an uncompromising way of looking at the world and often notice things that adults ignore. They are more sensitive to concepts of injustice, suffering, evil and hatred.

The children’s artwork in this Haggadah illustrates to us a pure perception of hidden fears, as well as hope and the willingness to fight. The fight includes pain and sorrow, but also challenge and adventure. Such a fight often inspires the finest creativity, resourcefulness, and imagination in a child. I hope this art will open all of us to helping those people who are sick and live among us in their fight and efforts to end bondage and attain freedom.

“In every generation one must look upon himself as if he has come out of Egypt.”

This eternal expression in the Passover Haggadah has become a symbol of each and every individual’s personal involvement in the history of the Jewish people. None of us can stand aside, none of us can avert our eyes; each and every one must see himself as a full participant in everything that happens in Israeli society. Reclining on this night, we recite together with our families: “Let all who are hungry come and eat; let all who are in need come and partake of our Passover sacrifice”. Know that at this very moment, there is someone out there who is thanking you for your generous outstretched hand!

May we hold out a hand in brotherhood, freedom, justice, equality and compassion to all we may meet along the way