What's happened
Passover in Israel is overshadowed by the ongoing war with Hamas and the captivity of 133 hostages, leading to somber commemorations and symbolic acts to remember the victims and captives.
Why it matters
The marking of Passover amidst the backdrop of war and hostages highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Israelis and the Jewish community, emphasizing the need for unity, remembrance, and advocacy for the release of the captives.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports on families protesting and commemorating the hostages during Passover, while The Guardian focuses on the traditional and communal aspects of the holiday. The Independent highlights the struggle of families like Alon Gat's, whose loved ones were affected by the Hamas attack.
How we got here
Passover, a celebration of freedom, is being observed in Israel amid a war with Hamas and the captivity of 133 hostages. The ongoing conflict and the tragic events of the past have cast a shadow over the holiday, leading to a more solemn and reflective atmosphere during the celebrations.
More on these topics
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Passover, also called Pesach, is a major Jewish holiday that occurs in the spring on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The Haggadah is a Jewish text that sets forth the order of the Passover Seder. Reading the Haggadah at the Seder table is a fulfillment of the mitzvah to each Jew to "tell your children" the story from the Book of Exodus about Yahweh bringing the Israelit