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.
Rap artist GloRilla has been charged with drunken driving in Georgia
Coronel has 3 saves, first shutout of season, Red Bulls and Fire tie 0
Viral video highlights targeting of Hmong women to marry Chinese men — Radio Free Asia
The Patriots enter the NFL draft needing a QB, but could trade down to fill other needs
Texas blocks U.S. border patrol, Biden gov't asks Supreme Court to intervene
Tkachuk gets 2 goals, Batherson scores in the shootout, and Senators beat Canadiens 5
Reinhart gets his 55th goal to win it, Florida tops Buffalo 3
Coachella: Earthquake shakes SoCal desert during music fest
Musicians pay tribute to Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts after death at 80
Viral video highlights targeting of Hmong women to marry Chinese men — Radio Free Asia