Israelis Prepare to Mark Passover, a Festival of Freedom, With Hostages Still in Gaza

Israeli Celebrate Passover Amidst Hostage Crisis #

Many Israelis marked the somber start of Passover, the Jewish festival of freedom, as over 130 hostages remained in Gaza. With negotiations at an impasse, the fate of the hostages remains uncertain. The traditional Seder meal was observed as usual, but the mood was subdued due to recent tensions with Iran and the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Israel continues to mourn the victims of the Hamas-led attack in October, with over 250 Israeli soldiers losing their lives. Tens of thousands of residents remain displaced in northern and southern Israel due to ongoing attacks. Despite this, Israelis held onto traditions by gathering with family and friends to retell the story of the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt.