Seder of Resilience: Displaced Families, Survivors, and Heroes Unite at Friends of Zion Museum

The Friends of Zion (FOZ) Museum hosted a landmark Passover Seder that served as a profound reflection of the Israeli spirit. The event brought together a unique assembly of guests: families displaced from their homes, Holocaust survivors, returned captives, and active-duty soldiers.

The gathering, held in the heart of Jerusalem, transcended the traditional holiday ritual, transforming the ancient story of the Exodus into a modern-day testament to survival and hope.

A Convergence of History and Heroism

The guest list for the 2026 Seder represented the complex tapestry of the current Israeli reality. Among those at the tables were:

• Holocaust Survivors: Providing a bridge to the past, these survivors offered a living reminder of the Jewish people’s enduring resilience through the darkest chapters of history.
• The Displaced: Families from the north and south who have been away from their homes for months, finding a sense of community and “home” within the museum’s walls.
• Returned Captives: In one of the evening’s most moving aspects, those who survived captivity sat alongside their families, celebrating their personal journey from darkness to freedom.
• IDF Soldiers: Men and women currently serving on the front lines, who joined the Seder to mark the festival of liberty before returning to their units.

Symbolism in the Heart of Jerusalem

The Friends of Zion Museum is dedicated to documenting and celebrating the non-Jewish allies who have stood by the Jewish people throughout history.