This year, Passover begins on 22 April evening and ends on 30 April evening. The festival is an opportunity for the Jewish nation to rejoice with family and commemorate their liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. It marks the gift of freedom in the land of Israel and pays tribute to its Biblical heritage. However, for almost two million modern-day Israelis in poverty and hunger, there is no real cause for celebration or joy. Shocking statistics recently released in the Israel National Insurance Institute’s annual poverty report stated that 1.7 million Israelis, including 800,000 children, live below the poverty line. Pray for relief centres across the country supplying foodstuffs; for the elderly living alone being matched with host families for Passover; and for suitable care for children when schools are closed for nearly three weeks, placing additional strain on already struggling families.