Triangle Jewish community celebrates Passover as FBI takes precautions
Passover, which commemorates the Jewish people's escape from slavery in ancient Egypt, begins Monday.
Millions of people across the world will begin celebrating Passover on Monday, and in the Triangle hundreds of people will gather in Carrboro to celebrate the start of Passover with a feast called Seder.
The celebration comes as the FBI reports an increase in threats against Jewish and Muslim Americans. With local and international preparations in full swing, federal law enforcement is ramping up security measures to address any potential threats.
Passover holds deep significance within Judaism and is considered one of its most important holidays.
"It's the celebration of Jewish people's liberation and redemption," explained Rabbi Zalman Bluming, the executive director of Chabad Durham-Chapel Hill.
Bluming looks forward to joining community members in Carrboro on Monday for what's deemed the largest Passover Seder in the Triangle, a day to celebrate and reflect.
Guests can expect a new ritual in addition to longtime traditions.
"We’re going to be adding extra seats at the Sader to commemorate the hostages and how much their presence needs to be filled," Bluming said.
Jewish people living in the Triangle see the Passover Seder as an opportunity to grapple with the Israel-Hamas War.
According to the FBI, threats to the American Jewish community grew before the war, but hate crimes have spiked since the Oct. 7 attack in Israel.
Federal investigators are warning of possible threats.
"I want you to know that we, the FBI, are closely tracking these very real threats that have your communities on edge, and we are actively hitting back at perpetrators full force," said Christopher Wray, director of the FBI.
For Bluming, the power of Passover unites Jewish people.
"This year, more than ever the celebration of Passover is more needed," Bluming said. "When times get tough for our people, it’s the man’s unity. We all come together. We all sit together. And we all discuss how we can make this world continuously a place that’s more of liberty and redemption."
A rabbi linked to Columbia University urged Jewish students to stay home amid tense confrontations on campus. The Associated Press reports: "The atmosphere is so charged that Columbia officials announced students can attend classes and even possibly take exams virtually starting Monday."
According to The Associated Press, "Tensions at Columbia, and many universities, have been high ever since the Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel by Hamas. However, the situation at Columbia escalated in recent days after university officials testified before Congress last week about antisemitism on campus and pro-Palestinian protests on and near campus surged."
