Passover celebrations took on new meaning this year as Jewish and Christian leaders called for renewed focus on Israel’s biblical land rights. Rabbi Tuly Weisz, founder of Israel365, urged families to connect the ancient Exodus story with modern debates over Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria during their Seders. His “Sovereignty Seder” guide encouraged using wines from Jewish settlements and dedicating symbolic gestures to hostages held by Hamas.
The rabbi stressed that Passover isn’t just about freedom from slavery but about God’s promise of specific lands to the Jewish people. “This is the heartland where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob walked,” Weisz said, criticizing past peace deals that traded land for security. His message found strong support among conservative Christians, who view Israeli control of biblical territories as fulfilling prophecy.
President Trump’s nomination of Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel boosted the sovereignty movement. Huckabee, known for visiting Jewish settlements and backing Israeli land claims, represents a shift toward policies aligning with scriptural promises. Over 500 faith leaders endorsed his nomination, calling it a victory for biblical values in foreign policy.
Recent Hamas attacks highlighted the dangers of retreating from contested regions, supporters argue. The October 7th massacre shattered illusions that concessions would bring peace. “The time for weakness is over,” Weisz declared, urging families to discuss Israel’s security needs during Passover meals. Empty chairs at Seders reminded celebrants of hostages still held in Gaza.
Christian Zionists played a key role in promoting the Sovereignty Seder materials. Churches nationwide shared the free guide, which mixes traditional rituals with advocacy for Jewish land rights. This partnership reflects growing ties between conservative believers and Israeli activists united by shared scripture and distrust of international bodies like the UN.
Critics accuse the sovereignty movement of ignoring Palestinian claims, but supporters counter that God’s covenant with Abraham trumps modern politics. They cite biblical verses specifying Israel’s borders and warn against repeating past mistakes like the Gaza withdrawal. “All of Israel belongs to the Jewish people,” the guide states bluntly, rejecting partition plans.
The debate reaches beyond religion into U.S. policy. With President Trump weighing recognition of Israeli sovereignty, Passover discussions took on geopolitical significance. Families prayed for leaders to “have courage like Moses” in asserting Jewish rights to Judea and Samaria. Settlement-produced foods on Seder plates underscored the connection between faith and daily life in contested areas.
As the holiday concluded, organizers urged supporters to vote in World Zionist Congress elections backing sovereignty candidates. The movement aims to make next year’s Passover celebration coincide with full Israeli control over its biblical heartland. “Just as God delivered us from Egypt,” Weisz said, “He’ll deliver complete restoration of our homeland.”
