In brief
As the Jewish festival of Passover approaches, many Israelis are filled with a sense of sorrow rather than joy, as the ongoing captivity of hostages in Gaza casts a long shadow over the celebrations.
With Passover on the horizon, Israeli residents find it hard to embrace the traditional holiday spirit amid the harrowing reality of hostages still held by Palestinian militants in Gaza following the tumultuous events of October 7, 2023. For many, the festival meant to symbolize liberation has turned into a sober reminder of their loved ones' absence.Yona Schnitzer, a marketing professional from Tel Aviv, remembered last year's Passover Seder where he offered prayers for the hostages' safe return. Over a year later, hope feels dim, as he reflects, "It’s surreal and heartbreaking." This year’s Passover Seder, which falls on Saturday evening, marks another occasion of lament for Israelis as the spirit of freedom associated with the holiday clashes with the enduring grief over their imprisoned family members. Orly Gavishi-Sotto, a college administrator also from northern Israel, articulated a collective sentiment: “We will mark the holiday. We won’t celebrate it. We can only celebrate when all the hostages are home.” In a poignant display of solidarity, Gavishi-Sotto’s family plans to set an empty chair at their Seder table, representing the hostages in Gaza unable to join their families during this time of remembrance and celebration. This symbolic gesture underscores the profound impact of the ongoing conflict on daily life and festive traditions within the nation.
