--- title: Michael Balaban's Update on the War description: As Passover approaches, Jewish families around the world will gather at the seder table to tell our story, ask questions and reflect on what freedom means. image: https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/facebook-event-cover-1920x1080%20(2)-1.jpg --- [![Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/JewishFederation_May2019/images/logo--color.svg)](https://jewishphilly.org/) - [Philly Stands With Israel](https://go.jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel) - - [Donate to Philly Stands with Israel Fund](https://donate.jewishphilly.org/page/66252/donate/1) - [Community Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/) - [Emergency Allocations](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-emergency-response-fund/emergency-allocations/) - - [Advocate](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/advocate/) - [Israel in the News](https://go.jewishphilly.org/israel-in-the-news) - 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[Security](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/security/) - [News](https://go.jewishphilly.org/news) [Donate](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/) [Donate](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/) [Newsletter](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/newsletter/) [Login](https://jewishphilly.org/login/) [Board Login](https://jewishphilly.org/board-login/) Search Search the site: Search the site: [Newsletter](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/newsletter/) [Login](https://jewishphilly.org/login/) [Board Login](https://jewishphilly.org/board-login/) Search ## Jewish Philly Blog ![Michael Balaban's Update on the War](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/facebook-event-cover-1920x1080%20(2)-1.jpg) ## March 27, 2026 # Michael Balaban's Update on the War - Michael Balaban Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia President and CEO   As Passover approaches, Jewish families around the world will gather at the seder table to tell our story, ask questions and reflect on what freedom means.   This is another year when our seder conversations are shaped by the moment we are living in. They are not theoretical. They are deeply real.   In Israel, daily life remains disrupted by ongoing threats. Sirens, uncertainty and the strain of sustained conflict continue to shape everyday reality. Even as conditions evolve, the instability and its human impact are ongoing.   As we have shared in recent weeks, for many, the weight of this moment is felt in interrupted nights, in time away from family and in the quiet disruptions of daily life.   At the same time, there are moments that remind us of the strength and resilience of our people. They underscore what is at stake and why our connection to one another cannot waver.   Here at home, our community is carrying this moment in different ways.   A recent [national survey from the Jewish Federations of North America](https://www.jewishdatabank.org/databank/search-results/study/1277) found that Jewish life has been deeply affected in the months since Oct. 7, marked by both heightened concern and a renewed sense of connection and identity.   It also confirmed what many of us are experiencing firsthand. We are not processing this moment in the same way.   At seder tables, on campuses and within families, conversations about Israel can be emotional and, at times, divisive. We are being called to lead not only in responding to external threats, but in navigating growing differences within our own community.   We cannot avoid those conversations. And we should not. Passover gives us a framework.   Our tradition reminds us that freedom is not guaranteed. It is something we are responsible for sustaining, together.   The seder is built on questions. It makes space for multiple perspectives. The tradition of the Four Children reminds us that people come to the table with different understandings, different emotions and different ways of engaging.   This year, that is not an abstract idea. It is our reality.   Our tradition also calls on us to hold multiple values at once, dignity, responsibility, peoplehood and care for others, even when doing so is not simple.   At the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, our responsibility is clear and it is active:   To care for our community. To stand with Israel and its people. To ensure that Jewish life remains strong, connected and accessible, even when and especially when it is complex.   That means creating space for real conversation, not avoiding it. It means strengthening connection, not allowing disagreement to fracture it. And it means staying grounded in our shared responsibility for one another, Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh.   Moments like this call for more than reflection. They call for presence, engagement and leadership.   Even in a time shaped by conflict, our story has never been only about war. It is about peoplehood, resilience and what we choose to build together.   This Passover, as we reflect on the journey from oppression to freedom, we are reminded that freedom requires responsibility, to one another, to our community and to the future we are shaping.   We may not resolve every challenge in this moment, but we are not free to step away from one another.   So wherever you are this holiday, and however your table feels, whether unified or filled with difficult questions, show up. Stay at the table. Keep the conversation going.   Because we are strongest when we remain connected.   \*\*\*   **If you would like to receive Israel emergency communications, please [click here](https://go.jewishphilly.org/israel-emergency-emails?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8YpPmnDwAdGOwDQ_5M_Q-GvplUyNRMWIGHm_dRyYzXOYYZzmVNLlbl5VRkI7w8DgVZ3IU7).** Share [Share on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.jewishphilly.org/michael-balabans-update-on-the-war-032726&title=Michael%20Balaban's%20Update%20on%20the%20War) [Share on Twitter](http://twitter.com/home?status=Michael%20Balaban's%20Update%20on%20the%20War+https://blog.jewishphilly.org/michael-balabans-update-on-the-war-032726) [Share by Email](mailto:?subject=Michael%20Balaban's%20Update%20on%20the%20War&body=Michael%20Balaban's%20Update%20on%20the%20War%20-%20https://blog.jewishphilly.org/michael-balabans-update-on-the-war-032726) ### Sign up for the *Jewish Philly* E-Newsletter [Back to The Latest](https://blog.jewishphilly.org) # Related Posts ## Blog June 30, 2026 # From Local Jewish Federation Real Estate Grants to Federal Investment: What Needs to be Done for Jewish Communal Security ## Blog June 29, 2026 # Upcoming Jewish Federation Events in July ## Blog June 26, 2026 # The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Mobilizes Community Members for Advocacy Day in Harrisburg [Tweets by JFedinPhilly](https://twitter.com/JFedinPhilly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ## Find us on ![JFGP_KO_rgb](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/JFGP_KO_rgb.png?width=300&height=84&name=JFGP_KO_rgb.png) Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Two Commerce Square 2001 Market Street, Suite 2300 Philadelphia, PA 19103 [215.832.0500](tel:1-215-832-0500) | [info@jewishphilly.org](mailto:info@jewishphilly.org) *The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia welcomes the participation of Jews across the religious spectrum, interfaith couples and families, and people of all abilities, backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations. 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