The Knesset on Tuesday sold its chametz, or leavened products, ahead of the Passover holiday, as required by Jewish law which forbids the owning of chametz during the week of the festival.
 
During an official ceremony at the Knesset, Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Jerusalem Aryeh Stern was authorized by Knesset Director-General Albert Sakharovich to sell all of the chametz in the Knesset.
 
During the ceremony, Rabbi Stern said “It is my hope that from this important place, the Knesset, a message of unity between all parts of the nation will be sent, and together we will all have a joyous holiday.”
 
Director-General Sakharovich said, “In honor of the holiday of freedom, the Knesset wishes all Israelis a kosher and happy holiday filled with familial joy and national unity.”