- Michael Balaban
President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

This Monday evening marks the start of Passover, a time intended for remembrance and renewal, a time meant to be spent with loved ones. But this year, the holiday underscores the ongoing pain the Jewish people are facing right now.

Recent reports indicate that fewer hostages than we expected are still alive. As we dip our parsley in salt water to symbolize the tears of our enslaved ancestors, we will also cry out for all of the innocent hostages who tragically lost their lives in the hands of terrorists. For those in captivity that remain alive, and are unable to celebrate this Passover at home, we will continue to pray and advocate for their safe return to their families.

This news, compounded with the Islamic Republic of Iran’s recent attacks on Israel, has threatened to extinguish the light of hope within me. 

But then I am reminded of the lessons from the story of Passover. In every generation, there is someone who tries to persecute or annihilate the Jewish people. This is a tale as old as time. And in each generation, we prevail over that evil, persisting even against the greatest odds. 

Our generational survival reminds me to never lose hope, which is needed to continue this fight. 

When Iran attacked Israel on Saturday, we were shown a number of things: the power of Israel’s defense system, the strength of unprecedented allies and the tenacity that is woven into the Jewish people. The combination of these elements allowed for Israel to thwart 99% of the over 331 cruise missiles and drones that Iran launched.

While this undoubtedly saved countless lives, Amina al-Hassouni, a seven-year-old Bedouin girl who was hit by an Iranian missile, remains in critical condition. We pray for her full recovery, in both body and spirit, as well as for the recovery of the 14 Israeli soldiers who were wounded on Wednesday when Hezbollah launched missiles and drones at a military facility in northern Israel.

Just as the Jewish people will persist, the Jewish homeland will live on for all who reside there. Resiliency is one of our most important Jewish values, and we will continue to fight for all of those in Israel – Jews, Christians, Arabs, Bedouins, Druze and others – to live their lives safely in peaceful coexistence.

As we say the familiar words of “Let my people go” this Monday evening, my mind will be on all of those still in captivity in Gaza, all of those experiencing collective trauma in Israel and all of those who have been living in fear since Oct. 7.

I encourage you to hold two seats open at your Seder tables this year: one for the prophet Elijah as is tradition, and one for the hostages who are unable to celebrate with us. 

On behalf of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, I wish you all a meaningful Passover. Next year, may we all be together, in peace.

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