Somber backdrop to Passover observances

Passover is a major Jewish holiday, celebrated over seven or eight days each year. It commemorates the exodus of ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as recounted in the Bible. To many Jews, it symbolizes freedom and the birth of a Jewish nation. This year, for many Jews, the holiday’s mood will be impacted by somber factors related to Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and the rise of antisemitic incidents elsewhere. Many Seder tables, in Israel and elsewhere, are expected to have empty seats, representing those killed or taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7, as well as soldiers unable to return home for Passover.