JERUSALEM (AP) — Every year, Alon Gat’s mother led the family’s Passover celebration of the liberation of the ancient Israelites from Egypt thousands of years ago. But this year, Gat is struggling with how to reconcile a holiday commemorating freedom after his mother was slain and other family members abducted when Hamas attacked Israel.
Gat’s sister, Carmel, and wife, Yarden Roman-Gat, were taken hostage in the Oct. 7 attack. His wife was freed in November but his sister remains captive.
“We can’t celebrate our freedom because we don’t have this freedom. Our brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers are still in captivity and we need to release them,” Gat said.
On Monday, Jews around the world will begin celebrating the weeklong Passover holiday, recounting the biblical story of their exodus from Egypt after hundreds of years of slavery. But for many Israelis, it’s hard to fathom a celebration of freedom when friends and family are not free.
Jessica Biel CHOPS her long locks into a bob after book signing in Studio City
The United Auto Workers faces a key test in the South with upcoming vote at Alabama Mercedes plant
Federal judge temporarily halts Biden plan to lower credit card late fees to $8
Dog Show 101: What's what at the Westminster Kennel Club
Yvette Fielding says her Most Haunted co
Fine dining, at a new high. A Michelin
A parliamentary election runoff puts hard
I'm a psychiatrist and I do not believe Fiona Harvey was lying to Piers Morgan
Amtrak train hits pickup truck in upstate New York, 3 dead including child
Celtic closes in on Scottish league title by beating Rangers 2
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons
Smarter vehicles could mean big changes for the traffic light