For Jews worldwide, this Passover held a particularly profound significance in the shadow of the recent Hamas attack on October 7th. Amidst the joyous celebration, a sense of guilt lingered for many as they acknowledged the ongoing suffering endured by their brethren in captivity.
In Chicago, Carol Cohen traveled from London to participate in the Passover Seder, held at a hotel in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Rabbi Meir Chai Benhiyoun of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life officiated the ceremony, and armed security ensured the safety of attendees.
Passover commemorates the ancient Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt. Observant Jews gather with loved ones during the Seder to recount the Moses-led escape from captivity. Traditionally, grains are avoided in remembrance of the haste with which the Israelites fled, leaving no time for bread to rise.
A dark cloud hung over this year’s celebration due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Over 200 Israelis were taken hostage during the October 7th attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis. In response, Israeli Defense Forces have carried out strikes targeting Hamas, leading to the deaths of more than 34,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children.
Eva, a 14-year-old girl from Oak Park, attended the Seder with her mother. She shared her experiences facing harassment at school since the October 7th attack. “It’s very hard to be my age during this. It’s very divided,” she said, expressing her frustration at being told what to think because of her age. “They’d rather have Hamas in this world than have Jews, and that’s really hard.”
