2007年VOA标准英语-Israelis Celebrate Passover Under Tight Securit

By Robert Berger
Jerusalem
02 April 2007

Israel is observing the biblical holiday of Passover under tight security. As Robert Berger reports from VOA's Jerusalem bureau, the holiday brings ancient traditions together with the complex realities of a modern Jewish state.

Ultra Orthodox Jewish man watches from door as another checks baked Matzoth or unleavened bread in Jerusalem, 2 Apr 2007

Israelis around the country gathered with family and friends for the traditional Seder meal, at the start of the weeklong Passover holiday. They sing festive¹ songs and recount the biblical story of the Exodus² of the Israelites from Egypt nearly 3,500 years ago. Jews eat unleavened bread or "matzoh" on Passover because the Israelites left in haste and their bread did not have time to rise.

"Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments and has commanded us concerning the eating of unleavened bread."

Security for Passover is tight. The Israeli army has sealed off the West Bank and Gaza Strip, amid fears that Palestinian militants³ could try to mar⁴ the holiday with attacks. It has happened before: A Palestinian suicide bomber⁵ blew up a Passover Seder five years ago killing⁶ 29 people.

Police commander Yoram Archayon says patrols have been stepped up at hotels, synagogues and crowded public places.

Archayon told Israel Radio that police are out in large numbers on the borders and in cities.

Israelis are used to tight security on the holidays.

"The fact that the police are out in full force, we get exactly what we want; we want security and we can feel they are doing their job, so we will be safe," Jerusalem resident Talia Adar told VOA.

Jerusalem's Old City will be awash with both Jewish and Christian⁷ pilgrims this week, as Passover coincides with Easter.

1 festive   

adj.欢宴的，节日的

参考例句：

• It was Christmas and everyone was in festive mood.当时是圣诞节，每个人都沉浸在节日的欢乐中。
• We all wore festive costumes to the ball.我们都穿着节日的盛装前去参加舞会。

2 exodus   

v.大批离去，成群外出

参考例句：

• The medical system is facing collapse because of an exodus of doctors.由于医生大批离去，医疗系统面临崩溃。
• Man's great challenge at this moment is to prevent his exodus from this planet.人在当前所遇到的最大挑战，就是要防止人从这个星球上消失。

3 militants   

激进分子，好斗分子( militant的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The militants have been sporadically fighting the government for years. 几年来，反叛分子一直对政府实施零星的战斗。
• Despite the onslaught, Palestinian militants managed to fire off rockets. 尽管如此，巴勒斯坦的激进分子仍然发射导弹。

4 mar   

vt.破坏，毁坏，弄糟

参考例句：

• It was not the custom for elderly people to mar the picnics with their presence.大人们照例不参加这样的野餐以免扫兴。
• Such a marriage might mar your career.这样的婚姻说不定会毁了你的一生。

5 bomber   

n.轰炸机，投弹手，投掷炸弹者

参考例句：

• He flew a bomber during the war.他在战时驾驶轰炸机。
• Detectives hunting the London bombers will be keen to interview him.追查伦敦爆炸案凶犯的侦探们急于对他进行讯问。

6 killing   

n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财

参考例句：

• Investors are set to make a killing from the sell-off.投资者准备清仓以便大赚一笔。
• Last week my brother made a killing on Wall Street.上个周我兄弟在华尔街赚了一大笔。

7 Christian   

adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒

参考例句：

• They always addressed each other by their Christian name.他们总是以教名互相称呼。
• His mother is a sincere Christian.他母亲是个虔诚的基督教徒。