Passover is one the most important Jewish festivals, commemorating the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt, where they had lived in slavery under the Pharaohs.  

The rituals, stories and prayers of Passover mark the start of their long journey to the promised land, a land of freedom – Israel. 

This year the festival holds even more significance for many Jews in the UK, because of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th, and the subsequent violence and destruction unleashed by Israel in Gaza and the West Bank. 

In this Passover edition of Things Unseen, Orthodox Rabbi and life coach Dov Cowan talks to Amir Suleman, a Muslim, about the the significance the festival holds this year, with Israel and Gaza at the forefront of everyone’s minds. 

As communities get ready for the 8-day festival, they discuss whether it is possible to have compassion for your enemies and how Jewish teachings approach conflict and war.