In brief
The joy of Passover is muted in Israel this year as many focus on the hostages still held by militants in Gaza, creating a complex emotional backdrop for the holiday.
As Passover approaches, families in Israel find themselves torn between celebration and sorrow. The bittersweet feeling comes as hostages taken by Hamas during the October 2023 conflict remain captive in Gaza. Participants in the Passover Seder, a dinner that commemorates the liberation of the ancient Israelites from slavery, are confronting their reality: joy is overshadowed by concern for loved ones still away from home.In Tel Aviv, marketing professional Yona Schnitzer recalls praying for the hostages’ return last year, hopeful that Passover 2025 would see them freed. His disappointment highlights a painful normalization as hostages remain in captivity. “It’s surreal and heartbreaking,” he reflects.While the holiday traditionally symbolizes freedom, many Israelis report feeling unable to celebrate fully. Orly Gavishi-Sotto, a college administrator, emphasizes the absence of joy by noting her family’s plan to leave an empty chair at the Seder table, a tribute to those who cannot join due to their ongoing ordeal.As Israel marks the festival this week for the second time since the outbreak of conflict, the voices of families advocating for their loved ones serve as a reminder of the continuing impact of the ongoing crisis.
