What it’s about:

During the Jewish festival of Sukkot, the Board of Deputies of British Jews is asking families to reserve a seat in their sukkahs for hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The initiative borrows from the “ushpizin” custom of inviting symbolic guests.

Why it matters:

This campaign underscores awareness and remembrance for the 101 hostages still in captivity, including men, women, and children. Stemming from deep-rooted traditions, such gestures not only highlight communal ties but also advocate for the return of the hostages.

Details:

The Board of Deputies of British Jews, an influential organization, is rallying Jewish individuals, families, synagogues, and university groups to reserve a seat for hostages kidnapped by Hamas. The entire Jewish community is prompted to remember those hostages and share their stories to ensure they are not forgotten.

President Phil Rosenberg lamented, “These are crucial guests missing from our tables, held in Gaza by Hamas. It’s vital to act now, supporting their immediate return.” With printed and digital materials made available, the message emphasizes continuity, tying back to the historical significance of ushpizin.

The big picture:

This initiative aligns with international efforts to offer solidarity and remembrance for hostages and highlights a collective cry from global Jewry for the safe return of abducted family members.

Decorations within sukkahs like yellow ribbons serve as subscriptions to the cause while parallel campaigns during Passover and Shabbat throughout this year and worldwide acted as reminders of the hostages’ enumuerable sufferings.

“Share their light and stories,” urged the Board of Deputies, prompting members to turn symbolic gestures into amplified calls for liberation and attention around the crisis.

This story was first published on jpost.com.