TEL AVIV (JTA) — Noam Safir and her family will be ordering takeout for the Passover seder this year, as her mother Moshit is too tired to cook a festive meal. Moshit is the daughter of the oldest Israeli hostage held by Hamas, Shlomo Mansour, who is 86 years old.
Many families, including those of the hostages and millions of Jews around the world, are feeling a sense of somberness this Passover as they advocate for the release of the hostages. The holiday, which begins on Monday, traditionally celebrates the Israelites’ freedom from slavery in Egypt.
One mother, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh is still a hostage in Gaza, expressed feeling conflicted about celebrating a holiday of freedom while her son remains captive. Similarly, Mai Albini-Peri from Jerusalem, whose grandfather Chaim Peri was kidnapped during an attack, struggles with the idea of celebrating while others are still in captivity.
Despite the challenges, some families will be leaving an empty seat at their seder tables for the hostages. In Israel, there are calls to remember the captives and pray for their release during the holiday.
For some families, the absence of their loved ones will be deeply felt during the holiday. Talya Dancyg, whose grandfather was kidnapped, shared that their family will be acknowledging the events of Oct. 7 during their seder. She emphasized the importance of gratitude for their own lives being saved.
Passover in Israel this year is marked by a sense of unease, especially following recent tensions with Iran. The holiday holds particular significance for many Israelis, especially those who have experienced terror attacks during past Passovers.
Efforts are being made to support evacuees and those affected by the war during Passover. Organizations like Colel Chabad and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews are providing assistance to those in need. Medical aid group Yad Sarah is also helping those holding non-traditional seders.
Despite the challenges, Israelis are finding ways to observe and celebrate the holiday, whether through communal seders on army bases or through special requests for the hostages in Gaza to have access to ritual foods.
In Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, a “Unity and Freedom Rally” took place ahead of Passover, bringing together thousands in solidarity with the hostages and their families.
One father, Eli Bibas, whose grandsons remain hostages in Gaza, expressed the difficulty of celebrating Passover this year. He mentioned the emotional impact of seeing new footage of his son being taken through the streets of Gaza, but emphasized the importance of coming together as a family during the holiday.