Ahead of Passover, Jewish communities around the world joined together in a unified appeal for the release of all hostages held in Gaza. The initiative was launched by the Jewish Agency together with the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Federations of North America, and Keren Hayesod to support Israel’s recovery and raise global awareness for the release of the hostages. This is the second year that the holiday celebrating the Jewish liberation from Egypt has been intertwined with the painful reality of the 59 Israelis held captive by Hamas for 18 months.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe all know how difficult it is to wish \u2018Chag Sameach,\u2019\u201d said the president of the Union of the Italian Jewish Communities, Noemi Di Segni, in a message ahead of Pesach. \u201cAfter 553 days of war, with 59 hostages still trapped in Gaza in conditions of horror and slavery, and still eating the bread of affliction, every breath is tiring and the future is uncertain. But let us find the strength to breathe and continue our lives, drawing from this holiday that unites families and communities not just around the table, but around the values and hopes that define our paths and make us one people.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur thoughts and closeness are with the grieving families, in Israel and in our communities, hoping to find relief in the collective affection and the dedication of so many courageous family members and volunteers. It is this reduction to the essence of lacerations, moral dilemmas and difficult choices that makes this Passover so important and meaningful. Maybe because the answers come from the youths and even the children.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"