May we have freedom from Iranian terror

Freedom is a central theme of Pesach. From generation to generation and even through some of the most horrific circumstances, Jews have gathered at the seder table to recount the story of our deliverance from slavery in Egypt into freedom. We take the time over the Pesach period to contemplate our personal “Egypt”. 

For the past three years, the idea of freedom and what that means as a nation and personally has resonated more than I can remember in previous times. In the wake of the atrocities of 7 October 2023 – where more than 1 200 were murdered and 251 taken hostage – the wars that followed, and the hostage crisis, freedom has become an even more cherished value for us. We are acutely aware of how it can be taken in an instant. 

For two years, Israelis and many around the world made sure that the hostage crisis was front and centre at their seder tables. The yellow accessories, the empty chairs, not just for Elijah the Prophet but for the hostages who remained in captivity. Two and a half years later, the hostages are all home. This year we can celebrate their freedom but, as we have the maror to remind us of the bitterness of slavery, we remember all they endured. There will still be empty chairs – for Elijah and those who will never come home. The victims, the fallen, and the slain in captivity. 

The story of the Jewish people from time immemorial is that of constant paradox, the honey and the sting, the bitter and the sweet. The story of Pesach is all of that. The “bread of affliction”, the bitter tears, and the miracles, so many miracles. 

This year our freedom is entwined with that of the people of Iran. Since 28 December, hundreds of thousands of brave Iranians have taken to the streets to protest, first against economic strife and then against the regime that has brutally oppressed them for decades. Tens of thousands have been murdered by the regime and the few stories that manage to get out from behind the internet blackout are horrifying. 

As the Iranian people stood with us in our time of need so we in Israel proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with them. We want an end to the modern-day Pharaoh that has enslaved our people in its iron grip of terror. Our two ancient people share a sacred bond that goes back thousands of years. Persian King Cyrus the Great freed the Jews from slavery, and now it is our turn. 

On 28 February, Israel launched Operation Roaring Lion along with our partner, the United States, with Operation Epic Fury. While the war goals aren’t regime change, we hope that by degrading the regime’s nuclear, ballistic, and security abilities we are helping to create the environment in which the people of Iran can take their destiny into their own hands. 

Israelis are paying a tremendous price, having to run to shelters multiple times a day and night while missiles, often deadly cluster munitions, are fired at us, causing destruction and casualties. Our morale remains high despite the exhaustion. We want to finish this once and for all. 

This brings me back to Pesach. When we gather to share the story that has resounded through the generations about the plagues and miracles, the long, arduous journey to freedom, we are reminded of the high price we pay for what we so often take for granted. 

During the seder we sing V’hi She’amda, which reminds us that in every generation there are those who rise up to try and destroy us and Hashem frees us from their hands. From Haman in ancient Persia to Hitler, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Khameneis, they have all tried. Like the many before, we believe this latest iteration will be consigned to the trash heap of history. 

This Pesach we will be more acutely aware of what freedom means – not just for us personally and as a nation, but for those who yearn for it and those who fight for it, those who use their power to prevent it and those who have died for it. 

Freedom must be cherished and defended vigorously. 

Let freedom reign! Chag Pesach Sameach! 

• Rolene Marks is a Middle East commentator often heard on radio and TV and is the co-founder of Lay of the Land and the SA-Israel Policy Forum.