Tens of thousands of Jews are preparing to travel across the United States for Pesach—filling airports, booking last-minute flights, and beginning what should be a Yom Tov journey. But a growing crisis at airport security checkpoints is threatening to turn that experience into a nightmare.

According to federal officials, the Transportation Security Administration is now experiencing the longest wait times in its 24-year history, with delays at major airports stretching beyond four hours.

Ha Nguyen McNeill, the agency’s deputy administrator, warned lawmakers that the situation is spiraling out of control due to the ongoing partial government shutdown.

“This level of disruption is unprecedented, and unacceptable, and significantly undermines the security of U.S. transportation systems,” she told the House Homeland Security Committee.

At some airports, as many as 40% to 50% of TSA employees are calling out of work. The reason is not burnout—but survival. McNeill revealed that workers have missed nearly $1 billion in paychecks, leaving many unable to cover basic necessities.

“They’re receiving eviction notices, sleeping in their cars and selling their blood and plasma to make ends meet,” she said.

More than 480 TSA officers have already quit since the shutdown began, further crippling operations. Meanwhile, assaults against TSA agents have surged by 500%, adding another layer of instability to an already strained system.

McNeill warned that smaller airports could soon be forced to shut down entirely due to staffing shortages, and that the agency is struggling to recruit new officers—especially given that training takes four to six months.

The crisis is expected to worsen, with millions of additional travelers anticipated in the coming months due to major events like the FIFA World Cup.

For the Jewish community, the timing could not be more alarming.

With Pesach travel about to begin, families heading to Yom Tov destinations are being urged to take these developments into serious consideration. Travelers should expect unprecedented delays, chaotic conditions, and potential disruptions that could impact flights nationwide.

Those planning to fly are strongly advised to leave for the airport far earlier than usual, remain patient, and prepare for extended wait times unlike anything seen before.

What should be a זמן חירותנו may instead begin with שעות של עיכובים.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)