Results for: Hostages

This year’s Passover festivities are tinged with both somberness and hope as the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict weighs on the minds of Jewish communities worldwide. The holiday, which symbolizes freedom from slavery, has taken on a new significance, with empty chairs at Seder tables representing the abducted hostages still held captive. Despite the challenges, the community remains resolute in their support for those affected by the conflict and finds solace in the tradition’s message of freedom and hope.

Israeli families gathered at hostage memorial centers ahead of the Passover festival, marking Jewish freedom from slavery, while the fate of 130 hostages held in Gaza remains unknown. A mass grave of nearly 300 people was discovered in Khan Younis, casting a shadow over the joyous celebration.

As the Jewish festival of Passover approaches, many Israelis are in a somber mood due to the ongoing captivity of over 130 hostages in the Gaza Strip. The holiday, which traditionally involves joyful gatherings and a retelling of the biblical story of liberation, will be marked with a focus on the missing hostages and the ongoing conflict. The Seder meal, a central part of the Passover celebration, will carry a profound meaning this year, with many families placing an empty chair at their tables to represent the absent loved ones.

Aryeh Deri’s replacement, Shas’ Aryeh Deri, has made a name for himself as an unusual politician with a focus on long-term achievements and a commitment to public service. Arbel believes that haredi men should serve in the IDF or national service, but also recognizes the importance of Torah study. He sees local authorities as key to bridging social gaps and has implemented initiatives such as online documentation orders and an “aliyah eligibility document.” Arbel emphasizes service to all citizens, including Arab municipalities. Despite the political divide, his work in the Interior Ministry has garnered praise and he has shown sympathy for hostage families.