Passover in Their Absence

Thoughts and Reflections from this Past Week

I wanted to share some thoughts and reflections from this past week as we celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover.

The Seder, which marks the beginning of Passover, is a ceremony where Jews around the world come together to retell our people’s origin story. We recount how we began as slaves in Egypt, endured immense suffering and oppression, and were ultimately redeemed by God’s extraordinary miracles before beginning our journey to the land of Israel, where we lived and prospered thousands of years ago. This powerful turning point—when we became a nation—is rooted in the theme of redemption: a journey from captivity and slavery to freedom.

Passover preparations at IDF bases

As we do each year, my family and I gathered around the table to take part in the age-old tradition of the Seder—an evening that invites us to see ourselves within the story of our nation. The Seder encourages us to question, not just for the sake of curiosity, but because questioning has long been a powerful tool for Jews throughout history to connect personally with the story of our original redemption, and see it through our own eyes.

This year, as I reflected on the story of the Exodus through the lens of our current reality, I was overcome with a deep sense of sorrow. What set this Seder night apart from those of years past is the heartbreaking truth that our nation is not fully free. Fifty-nine of our people are still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza—innocent lives brutally abducted during the October 7th massacre, a dark and devastating chapter in our history. Hamas continues to refuse the release of all the remaining hostages, choosing instead to prolong their terror and war.

I found myself asking, how can we truly sing songs of freedom when 59 of our people remain in Hamas’ brutal captivity? How can we retell the story of our redemption when so many of our brothers and sisters have yet to return home?

That night, as my family sat around the table—discussing our history and chanting the same words from the Haggadah that have been recited by Jews across time, from every walk of life—I was struck by something profound.

The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, with hostage survivor Naama Levy and her brother Amit, along with the cousin of hostages Gali and Ziv Berman, May Maier, who came to present him with a Passover Haggadah

No matter the circumstances, no matter the oppression they faced, Jews throughout history have set aside this one night each year to retell the story of our redemption. Not because we’ve always had the privilege of living in freedom, but because we’ve always chosen to live with hope. In every generation, Jews have held onto the belief that next year could be the year we are truly free.

“We remember our hostages, fifty-nine hostages, still in Gaza. Bringing them home is our supreme mission, and everything we are doing in Gaza is to free the hostages and dismantle Hamas. Every IDF soldier and commander is committed to the hostages — it is a vital mission that remains constantly in our minds, in every decision and every action.” - Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir

Hope is a guiding force for our soldiers on the ground. They are currently operating in Gaza, targeting terror strongholds to dismantle Hamas’ remaining military infrastructure and ensure it cannot regain power. In this just war against a cruel and ruthless terrorist organization, the hope of the hostages returning home always remains at the forefront of their minds. The hope for a better reality. 

Wishing you all a meaningful Passover, and may next year’s be a celebration of the true and full redemption of our people.

Until next time, 

LTC Nadav Shoshani