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Ron Arad, Zachary Baumel, Tzvi Feldman, Yehuda Katz, Guy Chever

These are the names of four Israeli sons who cannot be at our seder table this year. Since they cannot ask their questions at our table, we are asking four more questions for them at our seder this year.

1) Why are these sons different from all other sons?
While fighting for their people and the security of the State of Israel, these sons, soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces, were captured in Lebanon and taken prisoner.

2) Why are these prisoners different from all other prisoners?
These missing soldiers have been denied the basic human rights guaranteed by international law. They have been treated as hostages rather than as prisoners of war and have been denied any form of contact with their families, or with any Israeli or international human rights organizations.

3) Why are these hostages different from all other hostages?
These sons are being held hostage more than 22 years after international efforts have secured the release of all the other Western hostages who were held in Lebanon. Zachary Baumel (a U.S. citizen), Tzvi Feldman, and Yehuda Katz were captured in 1982 in the battle of Sultan Yaqub and Ron Arad was captured in 1986. Guy Chever disappeared in 1997. In spite of Israel's aid in securing the release of the other Western hostages, the Israeli hostages were not included in that release. Arab governments refuse to divulge any information about the conditions under which they are being held. The pain and anxiety of their families and friends are immeasurable.

4) Why do we raise the issue of Israeli soldiers who are missing in action at the seder on Passover?
All Jews the world over must fight for the freedom of Jews who are held captive. Pidyon Shevuyim is a mitzvah of the highest priority and we are commanded to fulfill it. On behalf of these missing soldiers, we implore the International Red Cross to do everything possible in order for them to be released and brought home. We beseech Kofi Anan, Secretary General of the UN, and the U.S. government to do their utmost in order to obtain a sign of life and information about their condition. On Chag HaPesach, we stand with Israel and the families of the MIAs to combine our strengths and to fight for the return of these four sons. In the name of justice and humanity, we urge world leaders, international human rights organizations, and the United States government to help "FREE OUR SONS!"

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A fine question for the Israeli Government on the occasion of prisoner releases, as well as the US Government when it praises and encourages Israels actions.