The Alon Search & Rescue organization is calling on the tzibur to keep and empty chair at Seder table for the over 500 Israelis who remain missing since the creation of the state. Organization Executive Director Evyatar Elbaz, who works to find these missing people year-round, calls on people to keep an empty seat at Seder for one of the 529 persons listed as “missing” since the establishment of the state in 1948. Elbaz feels by doing this, the families participating are showing solidarity with those whose loved ones are missing. He feels that unfortunately, there is little public awareness regarding those who are missing, and a Yomtov like Pesach, which symbolizes our freedom, is an ideal time to increase awareness.

Elbaz calls on welfare and security agencies to exhibit vigilance, adding “regarding people who are known to the system like those suffering from depression or other mental issues, it is worthwhile paying them a visit and trying to calm them before Pesach so they do not make a decision to absent themselves from the Seder table, some running away. Remain aware and do not be afraid to follow loved ones if suspicious or worrisome activity is detected and do not be afraid to alert other family members to assist”.

Elbaz adds that there are over 4,000 cases of missing people addressed in Israel annually, and today, there are still 529 persons who remain ‘missing’.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)