JERUSALEM — As Israel prepares for the seventh night of Passover, citizens and security forces alike are blending ancient tradition with urgent vigilance, marking a holiday rooted in deliverance even as the nation responds to persistent threats from Iranian-backed terror networks. The convergence of faith, historical memory, and ongoing conflict has imbued this year’s observance with heightened significance, as the country remains united in hope, resilience, and readiness.
The seventh night of Passover, or ‘Leil Shvi’i Shel Pesach,’ is historically central to Jewish identity, commemorating the crossing of the Red Sea — a narrative of triumph against tyranny and the dawn of freedom for the Israelites. In modern Israel, the holiday is not only a time for reflection but also a time for rededication to national security and unity in the face of existential threats. This year, that meaning is infused with additional gravity.
Against the backdrop of the war imposed by Iran and its regional proxies — including the October 7, 2023, massacre executed by Hamas terrorists — the Israeli government and public have fortified security and solidarity. Authorities have urged citizens to maintain customary celebrations while remaining alert, with the IDF Home Front Command issuing special guidelines for communal events and gatherings. Across cities and border communities, synagogues will operate under enhanced security, and volunteer patrols will supplement police and IDF activities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir have reiterated that Israel’s ongoing operations in Gaza and along the northern front are acts of national self-defense, aimed at dismantling the infrastructure of Hamas and deterring aggression from Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups. The government stresses that the struggle is not only military but profoundly moral — safeguarding the Jewish people against genocidal threats that echo those faced centuries ago in Egypt.
The hostage crisis remains a searing feature of this Passover. Since the October 7 massacre, in which Hamas terrorists kidnapped more than 240 individuals — including families, elderly, and children — the fate of those still held in Gaza is a focal point for communal prayer and activism. Vigils, special prayers, and symbolic acts such as leaving empty seats at the Seder underscore unity with the hostages and their families, as well as the demand for unconditional release and international recognition of their innocent status.
“Every Passover we recall the Exodus, but this year the absence of our kidnapped citizens sharpens our sorrow and resolve,” notes a senior official in the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. Advocacy groups and Israeli embassies have organized global campaigns demanding the Red Cross’s intervention, with the plight of the hostages drawing global attention.
Community mobilization has become as much a part of the seventh night as religious observance. Neighborhood patrols, coordinated by the police and civilian networks, have increased their visibility. “Preparedness and unity are our answer to terror,” says Deputy Defense Minister Yoav Galant. In addition to amplified vigilance at public spaces, security at synagogues, community centers, and Seder night events is being closely coordinated with military and police presence.
Despite the tension, Israeli society continues to demonstrate its enduring resilience. The Ministry of Education and local authorities have encouraged families to use Passover as a teaching moment, drawing connections between the challenges of the ancient Israelites and the security realities of today. Broadcasts on national radio and television feature stories of heroism and messages of encouragement from bereaved families and soldiers on the front lines.
Hamas’s actions in Gaza — from mass executions to sexual abuse, mutilations, and ongoing rocket fire — have been condemned by Israel and its allies, emphasizing the stark contrast between the nation’s self-defense and the atrocities perpetrated by Iran’s terror proxies. The Iron Dome missile defense system remains a symbol of Israel’s ability to protect its civilian population, regularly intercepting rockets launched at Israeli communities in both the south and north. Military sources report a persistent threat from Hezbollah in Lebanon, Islamic Jihad, and affiliated militias in Syria and Iraq, with additional concerns regarding Houthi drone attacks from Yemen.
On the diplomatic front, international support remains robust. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has reaffirmed its backing for Israel’s right to self-defense. European and North American Jewish communities express solidarity through vigils and advocacy in support of hostages and against rising antisemitism worldwide. The Abraham Accords and strategic partnerships continue to bolster Israel’s diplomatic and security posture.
Rabbis and community leaders emphasize the spiritual and ethical lessons of Passover. The Chief Rabbinate has encouraged reflection on the parallels between the ancient struggle for liberty and the contemporary obligation to ensure the safety and continuity of the Jewish people. “The story of Passover reminds all Israelis that even under fire, freedom and faith persevere,” a statement from the Chief Rabbi’s office said.
Looking ahead, Israeli officials stress that national readiness will remain heightened throughout the holiday. Air force patrols, naval defenses, and intelligence operations continue across all border regions. Humanitarian responses also remain robust: IDF field kitchens and chaplains ensure that even soldiers on remote outposts receive traditional Passover meals and spiritual support. Social services stand ready to assist civilians affected by ongoing rocket fire and families of those killed or kidnapped.
For all its weight, the seventh night of Passover is, for many, an affirmation of life and continuity. Israel’s ability to uphold faith and tradition, even amidst such adversity, is seen by citizens as both an act of remembrance and a declaration of future hope.
As families gather and security forces stand watch, the nation collectively honors the legacy of survival and the unwavering resolution to defend its people. In the words of a government spokesperson: “No one forgets what is at stake. On this night, the spirit of deliverance, unity, and security shines brighter than ever.”
