In brief
This year's Passover is under a cloud of sorrow, as families in Israel prepare to celebrate the festival of liberation while grappling with the anguish of hostages held in Gaza since the conflict began.
In the heart of Tel Aviv, Yona Schnitzer, a 36-year-old marketing writer, reflected on last year's Seder meal, where he prayed for the safe return of hostages taken by Palestinian militants during the deadly Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. "I thought we would be together again for this Passover," he lamented, highlighting the sense of normalization around the hostage crisis that has taken on a surreal and heartbreaking atmosphere.This evening marks the beginning of Passover, symbolizing freedom and liberation from ancient oppression, yet for many Israelis, the joy of the occasion is dulled by the absence of loved ones. Orly Gavishi-Sotto, a 47-year-old college administrator, echoed this sentiment and stated, “We will mark the holiday. We won’t celebrate it. We can only celebrate when all the hostages are home.” In her family's Seder, an empty chair will sit at the table to honor those unable to join due to their captivity in Gaza, underscoring the deep emotional impact of the ongoing crisis.As Israeli families gather to retell the story of liberation, the complex reality of their own struggles intertwines with tradition, resulting in a poignant reminder that freedom for some remains elusive until all are reunited.
