Israelis abroad celebrate Passover under heavy security
From Australia to Los Angeles, Chabad centers worldwide host seder meals for thousands of travelers away from home for Passover. Israeli security guards and local police forces undertake hefty operation to keepy everyone's holiday safe
Many young Israeli globetrotters will be absent from their families' Passover seder tables this year, but they will be keeping tradition alive from afar courtesy of Chabad centers all over the world.
In light of increased threats to Israelis abroad, the holiday will be celebrated under intense security.
Expert teams have been dispatched from Israel to coordinate security efforts with local law enforcement and a call has also been issued to the travelers themselves, asking for a higher state of alertness.
Hikers in Nepal prepare for Passover (Photo: col.org.il)
The largest seder in the world will be held in Katmandu, Nepal – which in the past has already registered a Passover Eve meal attended by an unprecedented 2,000 people.
"It was indescribable," said Chani Lipchitz, whose husband the Rabbi Yehezkel Lipchitz runs the Katmandu branch of Chabad, of that particular seder. "There were 2,000 people standing on their chairs and singing holiday songs at the top of their lungs."
Ready to go in Bangkok
But for those who cannot make it to the major centers in Nepal, Chabad is bringing the seder to some truly unorthodox locations. For the first time ever, trekkers will read the Haggadah at the feet of the Annapurna Mountain range, without electricity or even running water.
"We're sending large Passover packages to those following the hiking trails. If they can't come to us, we'll get to them, wherever they are," said Lipchitz.
Rabbi Nehemia Wilhelm of Bangkok's Chabad told Ynet of the security preparations ahead of the seder: "We're fully prepared, both on the side of local police, who will block several nearby roads in the area, and
the Israeli security guards who will help secure the event. This year we are also holding Passover seders in several new locations - Koh Phangan for example.
"The seder here is hugely significant,' he says, 'it's massively attended and yet still maintains a homey, familial atmosphere, there's a lot of singing and storytelling. People stay for hours and just won't get up; they never want it to end."
Anat Shalev contributed to this report
