As Passover 2025 approaches, Israelis prepare to celebrate their liberation while grappling with the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the plight of hostages still held by Hamas.
At a Glance
- Israelis face a second Passover during wartime following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023
- Passover commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery, lasting seven days in Israel
- Despite strategic military gains, 59 hostages remain in Gaza
- Israeli leaders emphasize unity and resilience during this solemn time
Passover Amidst Conflict
For the second consecutive year, Israelis are preparing to celebrate Passover under the shadow of war. The conflict, ignited by Hamas’s October 7 attack, continues to cast a pall over the nation. This time of reflection and remembrance, marking the Israelites’ liberation from Egyptian bondage, takes on deeper meaning as the country still seeks the release of 59 hostages held in Gaza, according to AP News.
Watch AP News’s report on the ongoing conflict and its impact on Passover celebrations.
Leaders such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog have delivered messages of unity and resilience, underscoring the holiday’s message. Netanyahu reminded the nation, “On Seder night, we all gather with our loved ones, and we all tell the story of our people who went out from slavery to freedom,” as cited by Breitbart. That message has become even more poignant as families await the return of loved ones and leaders push for national strength.
Challenges of Freedom and Safety
President Herzog echoed these themes, stressing that “freedom means we want to see our brothers and sisters home, in full freedom,” and emphasized the need to stand up to every challenge to achieve that. His words reflect widespread sentiment among Israelis: the struggle for freedom today is no less emotional or existential than in the story of the Exodus.
Alongside the hostage crisis, tensions with Iran over its nuclear activities have reignited diplomatic friction. As reported by 6ABC, Israeli concerns have grown more pronounced as global talks with Iran resume—raising new questions about safety and deterrence.
Meanwhile, antisemitism continues to surge globally. A New York Post report found over 10,000 antisemitic incidents recorded in the U.S. since October 2023, a 200% increase, with college campuses reporting a fivefold spike. While some federal policies have aimed to clamp down on campus hate, critics argue that measures threaten democratic values and, paradoxically, Jewish safety.
Faith and Resilience in the Face of Adversity
For many, the Exodus story resonates now more than ever, as Jews bridge past perseverance with current hardship. The World Jewish Congress underscores this year’s Passover as a celebration of resilience, urging communities to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
“In every generation, a person is obligated to see themselves as though they went out from Egypt,” reads a quote from a traditional Passover text, reaffirming the ritual’s relevance. Rabbi Joshua Stanton echoed this spirit, telling 6ABC, “Now more than ever, Jewish communities across North America must open their doors to forge stronger friendships.”
From the Seder table to the streets of Tel Aviv, the Exodus story lives on—not just as scripture, but as a living call to unity, courage, and hope in uncertain times.
