As Israel prepares to celebrate Passover, a holiday symbolizing freedom, the nation grapples with the harsh reality of ongoing conflict and hostage situations. The holiday, which marks the Jewish deliverance from Egyptian bondage, is overshadowed by the war in Gaza and the captivity of 133 Israelis held hostage there, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin. U.S. efforts include air-dropping food and water to Gazans, but calls for additional aid such as matzo for the hostages have been made. The Israeli government faces criticism for its actions in Gaza, described by some as genocide, adding to the complexity of the situation. Amidst these tensions, Senator John Fetterman has been vocal, urging the media to focus on the hostages and calling for Hamas to surrender and release the captives. Brett McGurk, Biden's coordinator for the Middle East, mentioned a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal is on the table, contingent on Hamas releasing groups such as women and the elderly.
‘Deprived of liberty’: Hostage families to rally for their freedom ahead of Passover https://t.co/4l3jUbKAbg
Over the decades, the seder plate has undergone tweaks that honor modern liberation struggles. This Passover, the Israeli hostages in Gaza and the enclave's suffering Palestinian civilians take pride of place / @shap56405 https://t.co/ehjEnpWbj9
BRING THEM HOME: Sen. Fetterman, a vocal advocate for Israel since October 7 Hamas attacks, is now urging the media to focus on the hostages. Read his plea: https://t.co/EC7rPsFdAw https://t.co/inRJgbReGh
Fetterman calls on media to keep a spotlight on Israeli hostages held in Gaza, says Hamas should surrender https://t.co/ZnCJ6zkdDv
'Hamas Owns This Entire Catastrophe': Fetterman Jabs the Media For Not Covering Enough the Hostages Still In Gaza https://t.co/Dk4jFo1FXY
Brett McGurk, Biden's coordinator for the Middle East speaking about the ceasefire/hostage negotiations: I'll be frank about where this stands. There is a deal on the table that would lead to a ceasefire and release of hostages. Hamas just has to release the women, elderly,… https://t.co/tXIoro82rG
John Fetterman: "We must never forget Hamas owns this entire catastrophe and can end this. Send them all home and surrender." https://t.co/BZTVM1Xxgz
With a somber Passover approaching, I remain committed to speaking about this travesty and acknowledge there can't be true lasting peace until the hostages are home. We must never forget Hamas owns this entire catastrophe and can end this. Send them all home and surrender. https://t.co/6Ov701x6xW https://t.co/3gxjnetJ8c
Passover in Israel in the shadow of the ongoing war in Gaza. Read more>> https://t.co/e7zWswWXVw
Passover in Israel in the shadows of the war in Gaza. Read more>> https://t.co/e7zWswWXVw
Jewish life is bittersweet, especially this year. As we prepare to celebrate Passover, the holiday of our redemption, Hersh Goldberg-Polin is still captive in Gaza. Hersh and his family are very involved in Ramah Darom, where I’m serving as a scholar-in-residence this year. https://t.co/AV2karIefB
This year, when we gather for Passover, we will hold both grief and resolve deep in our hearts. We know that this year is unlike any other year. The Israeli government continues its genocide of Palestinians in Gaza in full force. We cannot feast while there is famine. https://t.co/QOeFP5jRyX
Israelis grapple with how to celebrate Passover, a holiday about freedom, while many remain captive https://t.co/42tAJaXvFs
Passover marks the Jewish deliverance from bondage in Egypt to freedom in Israel. The U.S. has been air-dropping food and water to Gazans. The least it could do is air-drop matzo for the 133 Israeli hostages in Gazan dundgeons. My latest in @WSJopinion https://t.co/W4VCTTLZ6i