Passover in Israel: Joyous and Festive for the Old, Sabras, and New Jewish Arrivals

Israelis appeared to forget the stalled Jarring peace talks, the precarious nature of the cease-fire and other troubles external and internal today as they made final preparations for the Passover holiday which starts at sundown tomorrow. Markets were jammed with last minute shoppers stocking up on holiday foods and delicacies. Prices were higher, as they always are on the eve of a festival. But goods were in plentiful supply and most customers didn’t seem to mind paying the price. There was an air of prosperity in the country on the 23rd Passover eye since Israel became a State. It was enhanced by the flood of tourists. A record-breaking 50,000 visitors from abroad have poured into Israel during the past few weeks to celebrate Passover and Easter in the Holy Land. They stand out in the crowds by reason of their dress, their ubiquitous cameras and their frequent requests for directions. Israel hotels of all categories are enjoying the biggest boom in years. A JTA reporter who telephoned several hotels to ask for a room just as a matter of curiosity, encountered a stream of unprintable language from harassed room clerks. Most Israelis will celebrate the traditional seder in their homes. Exceptions are the tens of thousands of soldiers on active duty all over the country, in the occupied zones and on the cease-fire lines.

The Army’s chaplaincy corps has made elaborate preparations on their behalf. The traditional Passover foods have been supplied to all posts and field kitchens. Haggadahs have been distributed along with thousands of gift parcels provided by the welfare services for soldiers who have no families. Ample supplies of matzos were sent to all units. The wine will be brought by chaplains, cantors and readers when they visit the various posts to conduct the seder. Passover is the only day when wine is permitted on military posts. But soldiers on active patrol or guard duty will get only grape juice. Defense Minister Moshe Dayan, Chief of Staff Haim Bar Lev and ranking senior officers of Israel’s armed forces will attend a special seder to be conducted by Army chief chaplain, Gen. Shlomo Goren. The official announcement said it would take place “somewhere in Israel.” A group of new immigrants from Soviet Russia will attend a special seder at Neve Sharett, a residential quarter near Tel Aviv For many of them it will be the first seder of their lives. Israel’s two chief rabbis, Isaac Nissim and Isser Untermann issued special prayers and messages for the holiday. They urged Israelis to observe the traditions and prayed for peace.