Passover Celebration Marred by Tragedy for Israeli Family
JERUSALEM (AP) — As Jews around the world prepare to celebrate Passover, one Israeli family is grappling with the painful aftermath of a tragic attack by Hamas that left their mother dead and sister abducted. Alon Gat, whose mother used to lead the family’s Passover celebration, now finds it difficult to reconcile the holiday’s message of freedom with the captivity of his loved ones.
In the October attack on Kibbutz Be’eri, Gat’s sister and wife were taken hostage, with his wife being freed in November but his sister remaining captive. The family, along with Gat’s young daughter, endured a harrowing ordeal as they hid from the attackers, resulting in the loss of several family members.
For Gat and his family, this year’s Passover will be a somber affair, overshadowed by the absence of his sister and the lingering trauma of the attack. Despite the traditional celebrations of the holiday, they plan to mark the occasion with a low-key dinner, devoid of the usual festivities.
The ongoing crisis has cast a shadow over the normally joyous holiday season in Israel, with many families torn about how to observe the occasion in the midst of tragedy. The government has scaled back Independence Day celebrations, and the mood remains somber as negotiations for the release of remaining hostages stall.
Despite the pain and uncertainty, some families are holding out hope for the safe return of their loved ones. Shlomi Berger, whose daughter was abducted during her army service, remains steadfast in his belief that she will come home.
As Passover approaches, the Israeli community grapples with the complex emotions of grief, hope, and resilience in the face of adversity. The revised Haggadah, a book read during the Seder, reflects the current reality and offers guidance for navigating the challenging times.
While the holiday may be tinged with sorrow this year, the spirit of hope and resilience endures among those affected by the tragic events of the past year.