{
  "id": 9966608,
  "title": "Sukkot 2026: The empty chair is gone, but the threat of Hamas and Iran remains - opinion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/sukkot-2026-the-empty-chair-is-gone-but-the-threat-of-hamas-and-iran",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-26T11:24:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-909545"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This Sukkot, Israelis will celebrate without the empty chair symbolizing the missing hostages, but the threat of Hamas and Iran remains. A year ago, 20 hostages were still held by Hamas, with their photographs and empty chairs adorning sukkah walls. All 20 hostages were finally released and returned to Israel on Hoshana Raba, 843 days after the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre. However, the ordeal was not completely over, as the bodies of several murdered hostages remained in Gaza until their remains were recovered in January 2026. This Sukkot, there is an added reason to give thanks, as the hostage crisis that dominated Israeli life for over two years has finally come to an end. However, the deal that secured the release of the remaining hostages left Hamas in control of Gaza, and the terrorist group has not disarmed as promised. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee recently stated bluntly that Hamas has handed over zero guns and zero bullets, and senior IDF officers have warned that Hamas is recruiting new fighters, producing explosive devices, and resuming training for its elite Nukhba force. Rejoicing at Sukkot does not mean declaring that everything is well or evaluating the wisdom of the hostage deal. It is an acknowledgment that something long prayed for has come to pass, even though serious problems remain unresolved. Israel must strengthen its defenses, improve its intelligence, and remain prepared to act against the ongoing threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. While the hostage crisis has ended, it does not mean that Israel can ignore the continuing struggle against its enemies or the threats from Lebanon and Iran. Sukkot teaches that joy can be found even in the face of ongoing challenges, and for Israelis, this year's holiday marks the first in months without the constant fear of losing a loved one to captivity.",
  "summary": "That daily uncertainty has been absent for months, but this is the first Sukkot on which its absence can be felt in the festival itself.",
  "key_points": [
    "Israelis celebrate Sukkot without empty chairs symbolizing missing hostages.",
    "Hostage crisis ended after 843 days, 20 hostages released in January 2026.",
    "Threat of Hamas and Iran persists despite hostage deal."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}