Gaza vicinity communities on Monday will celebrate Passover night amid high tensions. Guests canceled reservation in vacation lodges and guesthouses due to latest event in Gaza – Friday's fire exchange that killed an IDF soldier and officer and the renewed Qassam fire.
Rivka Ben-Ari, a member of kibbutz Kissufim and the manager of the local guesthouse said that 50% of her reservations were canceled at the last minute. "They said they were scared to come, and there was nothing I could do about it. They called and said they were making reservations to show their support – but still canceled at the end," Ben-Ari told Ynet.
Ben-Ari recalled that a year ago, following Operation Cast Lead ,many reservations were also canceled. Despite the situation, she said, her occupancy stood at 60%.
Business owners in the area are hoping that despite the cancelations, visitors will not be deterred by the security situation and attend the potato festival in Mitzpe Gvulot during the mid-holidays.
Prayer for peace and quiet
Others said they were not concerned by the security situation; Tamara Cohen of Ein HaBesor at Eshkol Regional Council said she is celebrating the Seder with her mother-in-law, along with other relatives that will arrive from the north and spend the night.
"We are celebration the holiday in a house without a fortified room and that's OK because it is our house," Cohen explained. "I am happy everyone is coming, including those that don't live in the Gaza vicinity communities. We will celebrate with joy, and say a little prayer for peace and quiet," she said.
Kibbutz Kerem Shalom in the Eshkol Regional Council will host 59 guests for the holiday eve. None of the guests canceled, but one chair will remain empty – not for Elijah, but for captured soldier Gilad Shalit .