What It’s About
Survivors from captivity and their families used the occasion of the emotional Passover Seder to call for a redoubled commitment to bring back the 59 hostages that Hamas still holds in Gaza. This was conveyed through poignant messages on social media as they gathered for the first holiday meal at home.
Why It Matters
This deeply moving resonance of Passover, a holiday celebrating liberation and freedom in Jewish history, offers a poignant backdrop to mindful appeals for action. Hostage survivors are utilizing this sacred day to focus public and governmental attention on the immediate need for prioritizing the release of hostages, ensuring that their mission doesn’t fall silent.
The Details
Romi Gonen, reflecting the heavy emotions related to her return from captivity, posted on Instagram about her unyielding sense of connection to her fellow hostages. She urged others to remember them by leaving an empty chair or wearing symbols like a hostage pin. Former fellow captive Emily Damari joined, displaying a yellow ribbon beside her holiday setting as an emblem of hope and solidarity.
Avital Dekel-Chen spoke about restoring normalcy in her life since her husband’s return from being a hostage, sharing powerful personal reflections. Meanwhile, Eliya Cohen and Omer Wenkert voiced calls to cognizance—the real celebration of freedom awaits the homecoming of those captive, a sentiment Israel promises to continue pursuing relentlessly.
The Current Situation
In contrast, propaganda by Hamas sought to interfere with this collective momentum by releasing a proof-of-life video of Edan Alexander, intensifying Israel’s resolve to secure the freedom of this brave soldier and the additional Israeli citizens detained.
Significance for the Future
This Passover Seder becomes, therefore, more than just an observance. It’s a soul-stirring promise that shows the relentless Israeli spirit—where freedom and safety for every Jewish soul isn’t just a hopeful dream but an imperative national mission. There may be pressure building, but so is Israel’s committed solidarity for every citizen held captive.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.