JERUSALEM – As Israel marks Hol HaMoed, the intermediate days of Passover, citizens confront the dual reality of holiday observance and a prolonged state of conflict. With the nation’s attention fixed on a new survey to be addressed in the evening, Israelis balance tradition with the complex pressures of wartime, seeking both solace and clarity during one of the calendar’s most significant festivals.
The country remains unified in remembrance and determination since the October 7, 2023 Hamas invasion—the deadliest antisemitic massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. This terror attack, carried out by Hamas terrorists from Gaza and bolstered by Iran-backed networks, resulted in mass murder, sexual violence, widespread destruction, and the abduction of civilians. Israel’s subsequent military campaign, aimed at self-defense and the dismantling of terror infrastructure in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and beyond, has defined daily life for millions.
In this context, national surveys act as a crucial barometer, measuring Israeli attitudes on government leadership, civilian preparedness, and the psychological toll of relentless conflict. The survey anticipated at 8:00 p.m. is expected to examine public trust in the Israel Defense Forces, the effectiveness of political leadership under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Israel Katz, and the ongoing suffering and strength of communities near conflict zones.
Passover in Wartime: Ancient Meaning, Contemporary Struggle
Passover, which commemorates the Israelites’ biblical exodus from bondage, takes on renewed significance as the nation faces existential threats. Families gather for Seder meals and prayers, often leaving empty seats for those still held hostage by Hamas and other terror factions—a poignant symbol of loss and hope. National unity is further reflected in widespread mutual aid initiatives, support for displaced families, and acts of remembrance for the victims. Hol HaMoed is colored by both joy and the pain of missing loved ones, as hostages remain in captivity and southern and northern communities cope with trauma and displacement.
Surveying the National Mood: Security, Solidarity, and Scrutiny
Surveys released during periods of conflict provide essential insight into the resilience and anxieties underpinning Israeli society. Through professional polling and detailed questionnaires, the data helps shape national policy and public debate. Key expected findings include:
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Public Confidence in Defense: Support for IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and front-line soldiers remains robust. The Iron Dome and other advanced defense systems continue to inspire confidence among civilians, even as cross-border rocket fire and attempted infiltrations from Iranian-backed groups continue.
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Leadership and Accountability: While emergency unity has bolstered the government, scrutiny persists over policy choices, military strategies, and the difficult decisions regarding hostages. Debates over security policies, humanitarian corridors, and negotiations with adversaries remain central.
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Social Cohesion and Mental Health: Psychological resilience is evident, with voluntary counseling and emergency support programs expanding nationwide. Despite widespread anxiety and economic disruption, mutual assistance and the principle of communal responsibility characterize the national response.
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The Hostage Crisis: Moral clarity anchors the public discourse, distinguishing between the lawful demand for the release of innocent Israeli hostages and the controversial release of convicted terrorists in previous exchanges. The legal and ethical emphasis reflects a shared societal ethos: to value life and reject false equivalency with terror organizations.
Background: War Imposed by an Iranian Axis
Israel’s war is not limited to local actors. The country faces coordinated threats from multiple fronts: Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Iranian-backed militias in Syria and Iraq, all operating under the strategic umbrella of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This alliance, known as the Axis of Resistance, has not only armed and funded proxy groups but worked to destabilize the region and threaten Israel’s civilian population through advanced rocket arsenals, tunnels, and terror cells.
Israeli military actions—including Operation Iron Swords and targeted defensive strikes—seek to neutralize these threats, uphold the safety of citizens, and affirm Israel’s sovereignty. The IDF’s commitment to transparency, legal oversight, and proportionality is evident in both operational briefings and the facilitation of humanitarian aid to Gaza residents, even as Hamas systematically abuses civilian infrastructure for military purposes.
Civilians in the Line of Fire: Endurance and Assistance
Communities near Gaza and along the northern border have borne the brunt of rocket fire, infiltration attempts, and ongoing psychological strain. Schools frequently operate in emergency mode or relocate, trauma counseling becomes routine, and thousands remain displaced from their homes. Yet, the resilience of Israeli society is reflected in the adaptive spirit of its citizens, from emergency volunteering to ongoing support for evacuated families.
Contrary to hostile propaganda, Israel continues to coordinate aid convoys and medical support for Gaza residents, despite repeated attacks on crossings and the misuse of humanitarian resources by terrorist groups. The distinction between Israel—a sovereign, democratic state committed to civilian protection—and its adversaries, who weaponize civilian suffering, remains clear and vital.
International and Domestic Repercussions
The survey is likely to reflect enduring skepticism towards international organizations, especially the United Nations, over perceived bias and the legitimization of terror actors. However, Israelis remain committed to strategic partnerships—including an enduring alliance with the United States. Regional normalization efforts and the Abraham Accords also command broad support, even amidst the heightened tensions of war.
Recent government initiatives focus on emergency housing, psychological support, and economic relief. Civic engagement across faiths and communities demonstrates a shared resolve to rebuild and recover, further underlining Israel’s democratic and pluralistic foundations.
Looking Forward: Unity Tested and Strengthened
As the national survey results are explained and analyzed, they will inform public policy, media coverage, and military planning. These findings will reflect both the gravity of the moment and the perseverance typical of Israel’s history. For Israelis, this Passover—that ancient festival of freedom and deliverance—underscores the ongoing struggle for safety, memory, and national dignity. The determination to oppose terror, protect the vulnerable, and maintain unity defines contemporary Israeli society.
As another day of Hol HaMoed comes to a close, Israelis look not only to the results of the evening’s survey but to the enduring values that shape their collective future: resilience in the face of adversity, a commitment to justice, and the unwavering defense of life and freedom against any threat.
