ARTICLES

By Arlene Bridges Samuels

For the first time in Israel’s modern history, the nation is under direct missile attack from the Islamic regime itself. As Passover approaches, Jewish families once again face the reality of observing their most sacred season under the shadow of war.

This is not the first time Israelis have endured violence during Passover. The nation remembers the 1948 War of Independence, the 2002 Passover massacre in Netanya, and the war that began on October 7, 2023. Yet Passover in 2026 carries a different weight. This time, the threat extends across the entire country.

Missiles from Iran have struck Tel Aviv, the north and south, Judea and Samaria, and even areas near Jerusalem. The Festival of Freedom, which celebrates deliverance from slavery in Egypt, is now marked by Red Alert sirens that interrupt prayers and family gatherings at all hours.

Even so, Passover continues. For more than 3,300 years, Jewish communities have observed this sacred tradition through exile, persecution, and return to their homeland. Today, families adapt by holding Seders in safe rooms and bomb shelters. Their circumstances may change, but their faith remains constant.

The disruption extends beyond Jewish observance. This season brings together significant events for all three monotheistic faiths. Christians observe Palm Sunday and prepare for Easter. Muslims continue their regular prayers, especially on Fridays at the Temple Mount.

Israel’s Declaration of Independence affirms the nation’s commitment to protect freedom of religion and safeguard holy sites for all faiths. It declares that the state will ensure equality, protect religious expression, and preserve sacred places. These principles are not symbolic. They are practiced daily, even under extraordinary pressure.

This year, however, security concerns have forced difficult decisions. Due to ongoing missile threats, Israel’s Home Front Command restricted access to key areas of Jerusalem’s Old City, including the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The Old City presents unique challenges. Its ancient structures were not built with modern safety requirements, and there are very few protected shelters. Narrow streets and crowded pathways make rapid evacuation difficult. Missile fragments have already landed near these sacred sites, highlighting the danger.

To prevent loss of life, authorities closed areas that could become mass casualty locations. For the first time in modern history, the traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem was canceled. Worshippers were unable to gather as they have for centuries. Access to Muslim prayer sites was limited, and Jewish worship at the Western Wall was temporarily restricted.

These measures reflect a difficult but necessary priority. Protecting life must come first.

At the same time, the broader conflict continues to intensify. According to Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, more than 400 missiles have been launched toward Israel since the escalation began. Despite the scale of these attacks, civilian casualties have remained relatively low, a reality many describe as remarkable given the circumstances.

In the town of Arad, a missile struck between two apartment buildings. Residents expressed both shock and gratitude. One said that seeing the damage made it clear they should not have survived. Another described the outcome as a miracle, noting that no lives were lost despite the destruction.

A similar pattern occurred in Dimona, where another strike caused injuries but no fatalities. Authorities confirmed that there was no radiation leak from nearby facilities. In both locations, dozens were injured, yet the absence of greater loss of life stood out.

These experiences reflect a broader national reality. Israelis continue to endure, adapt, and persevere under constant threat. Their resilience is evident in both daily routines and moments of crisis.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is shifting its security posture, taking initiative rather than waiting for attacks. He emphasized that Israel is determined to defend itself and to confront those who seek its destruction.

As Passover and Palm Sunday unfold under these conditions, faith and tradition take on deeper meaning. In homes, shelters, and quiet moments of prayer, people continue to hold on to hope.

Psalm 121 reminds us of a powerful truth: “Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”

Our CBN Israel team invites you to join us in prayer this week.

Prayer Points:

• Pray for the success and safety of ongoing military operations protecting Israel.
• Pray for the safety of CBN Israel staff and all civilians living under threat.
• Pray for creative and meaningful ways for Jews and Christians to observe their sacred traditions during this time.
• Pray for a deepening of faith and spiritual strength for all who live in Israel.

Arlene Bridges Samuels is the weekly feature columnist for CBN Israel since 2020. Working on the staff of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as their SE Regional Outreach Director for nine years, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem USA engaged her as the Leadership Outreach Director part-time for their project American Christian Leaders for Israel. Arlene is an author at The Blogs-Times of Israel, is published at AllIsrael.com and The Jerusalem Connection, and has traveled to Israel since 1990. By invitation, she attends Israel’s Government Press Office Christian Media Summits as part of Christian media worldwide. In 2024, Arlene and her husband Paul co-authored Mental Health Meltdown: Illuminating the Voices of Bipolar and Other Mental Illnesses. www.TheMentalHealthMeltdown.com.