Center for Strategic Communication

In a special video message, President Obama offered his warmest wishes to people across the country and around the world celebrating the Easter and Passover holidays.

Last night, the President and First Lady hosted a Seder here at the White House to mark the start of the Jewish holiday of Passover. Tomorrow, the First Family will celebrate Easter, reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice and embracing the hope that this sacred season represents.

"Whether we’re Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, or Buddhist; whether faith in God shapes our daily lives completely or not at all, we believe that with common effort, and shared sacrifice, a brighter future is just around the bend," the President said. "And we embrace our obligation to do something meaningful, something lasting, with the precious time we’ve been allotted on this Earth."

The President also encouraged all Americans to "pause and give thanks for the chance to live in a country where everyone has the right to worship and pray and love as they choose."

Watch the President's Easter and Passover greetings below:

Watch on YouTube