Passover Observances Marred by War, Hostages, and Antisemitism

Passover, a significant Jewish holiday, is set to begin on April 22 this year. The holiday, known as Pesach in Hebrew, is celebrated for seven days in Israel and for eight days by some Jews in other parts of the world. Passover commemorates the exodus of ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as described in the Bible, symbolizing freedom and the birth of the Jewish nation.

However, this year’s Passover celebrations are expected to be somber for many Jews due to ongoing conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and a rise in antisemitic incidents globally. The recent rise in antisemitic assaults, harassment, and vandalism has raised concerns, with organizations like the Anti-Defamation League reporting a significant increase in such incidents.

In light of these challenges, Jewish communities are taking precautions to ensure a safe and secure Passover season. The FBI, along with security experts, recently participated in a “Passover Without Fear” webinar to provide guidance on maintaining safety during the holiday. The event emphasized the importance of vigilance and security measures to protect Jewish organizations and institutions.

Rabbis and scholars have also shared their perspectives on this year’s Passover, highlighting the need to reflect on past struggles while generating hope for the future. Despite the difficulties faced by the Jewish community, the holiday serves as a reminder of resilience and the pursuit of freedom and joy in the face of adversity.