Israel Hundreds remember Hamas hostages at Passover festival in Tel Aviv
During the Jewish festival of Passover in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, several hundred people commemorated the fate of the hostages held captive by Hamas. In the open air at a so-called Seder meal, some symbolically held an empty chair at their table, while others set up tables and chairs with pictures of the hostages.
12.04.2025, 21:47
SDA
The ceremonial Seder meal with set meals is part of Passover, one of the highest Jewish festivals. It commemorates the captivity of the people of Israel described in the Bible and their liberation from slavery.
Not a normal festival
"We cannot celebrate a normal Passover Seder", said the call from the Forum of Relatives of Hostages - for "our brothers and sisters who are not free". People in other places in Israel also followed the call.
The family of an American-Israeli soldier said in a statement that Passover is not a celebration of freedom as long as the 59 remaining hostages are not at home. Of the 59 prisoners, only 24 men are believed to be still alive.
Hamas had previously published a video of the young soldier. Hamas is apparently trying to increase the pressure on the Israeli government with video messages from hostages pleading for their freedom. Israel accuses Hamas of waging psychological warfare with these publications.
