Thousands of Israelis celebrated the holiday of Mimouna on Saturday evening, eating leavened goods, known as chametz, for the first time since the beginning of Passover.
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The Mimouna celebration is of Jewish Moroccan origin but has become popular among many Israelis over the years. It is customary for the host to wear traditional Moroccan clothes, welcome the guests with open arms, and leave the door open, so that anyone who wishes to join, should be able to do so.
The holiday is usually celebrated the day after Passover, but this year was marked a day later as Passover was immediately followed by Shabbat.
Families across all of Israel opened their cupboards, took out the flour, and began making classic Mimouna sweet foods, including the pancakes known as mofletta.
In recent years, Mimouna has even become popular among politicians, who host large celebrations or visit the homes of their supporters.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was hosted by the Ben Yitzhak family in Judea and Samaria, where he spoke of the importance of unity.
"This is a holiday for the entire people of Israel, not just Moroccans. Tonight, we are all Moroccan," he said.
Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sarah were hosted by the Malka family, who are Likud activists, in Or Akiva, in the Haifa district.
Netanyahu thanked the family for their hospitality. "I look at this amazing table. It has light, abundance, and sweetness. Sarah and I are glad to be here … Or Akiva is growing so much and it is a great privilege to participate in this development."
The former prime minister also touched on the subject of politics. "I walk in the streets and meet the citizens. They are full of hope. There is a smile on their faces because last year they didn't. They are waiting for us to get Israel back on the right track. With the help of God, and with their help, we will achieve this soon."
Transportation Minister and Labor party head Meirav Michaeli was hosted by Nissim Lasry at the Olesh settlement. Lasry is the settlement's representative on Labor's party list.
"This amazing holiday is one that no one commanded us to celebrate," Michaeli said. "It is a holiday that comes from … within, from the heart, a holiday of hospitality, friendship, and partnership. There is nothing more characteristic of the renewal of the Labor party than the shared celebration of this holiday.
"A year ago, we celebrated here, we did not know where we were going, and today, I am happy to tell you that we are walking on a good and important path," she said.
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