**Hostages Weigh Heavy on Israel's Passover Joy Amid Ongoing Conflict**

The ongoing conflict following the Hamas-led attack has overshadowed this year's Passover celebrations, with many families grappling with the difficult reality of hostages still unaccounted for in Gaza.

As the sun sets on Saturday evening, Israelis will gather to mark the beginning of Passover, an important weeklong Jewish festival celebrating liberation. However, the spirit of the holiday is significantly altered for those affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza. According to Yona Schnitzer, a marketing writer from Tel Aviv, the hope that hostages would be released by Passover has been dashed, leaving behind an unsettling reality. "It’s become so normalized that there are hostages in Gaza. It’s surreal and heartbreaking," he lamented.

This is the second Passover commemorated since the devastating Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which triggered renewed conflict in the region. Typically, Passover is a time for families to come together, retell the biblical story of the ancient Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt, sing songs, and enjoy traditional dishes. But this year's celebrations are muted by the absence of those still held captive.

Orly Gavishi-Sotto, a college administrator from northern Israel, voiced the sentiments of many, stating, "We will mark the holiday. We won’t celebrate it." She noted that an empty chair would adorn her family’s Seder table, symbolizing the hostages who are unable to return home for the holiday. This poignant representation reflects a collective mourning for those caught in the crossfire, as the anguish and uncertainty of their fate hang heavy on the hearts of their loved ones.

As the hours pass into the sacred period of Passover, the thoughts of many Israelis are filled with hope for a resolution, yet also a somber recognition that true celebration will not be possible until all family members are safely home.