All We Need Is Light – Hanukkah 2023 (FH Update)
“And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light”. (Genesis 1:3).
Unfortunately, this year we are celebrating our holy days of Hanukkah in the midst of war. Therefore today it is especially important for us to remember the miracle that happened many years ago. This supports us and encourages us for moving forward, despite all the difficulties along the way. The most important thing that we have learned once again is that the main sources of light are love, kindness and friendship. Thank you for the light you share with us!
Our happy Ulpan “students” from the Ramat Ha Negev region lit the first candle of Hanukkah together. Their coordinator Alena (third from the right) came to share that important moment with them | Photo: JAFI
We have decided to keep our tradition and show you how we celebrate this holiday against all odds.
Hanukkah celebration in Hinanit which is located in the Samarian hills. Together with their Hebrew teacher our participants discover the traditions and history of this Jewish holiday and create their own oil jugs.
Traditional lighting of candles in kibbutz Merhavia. This year 20 new families joined the program there | Photo: JAFI
Hanukkah celebration in Jordan Valley. The happiest guests are children. Just look how many sufganiyot there are!
The ceremonial lighting of candles for the olim of the “First Home in the Homeland” program with the deputy head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council. Local coordinators managed to bring almost all the participants of the program to this ceremony, including 2 families which were evacuated to Tiberias due to the escalation near the Lebanese border. It was a very exciting moment to spend Hanukkah evening together.
This region joined the program when the war in Ukraine started. They welcomed 30 families then. This year they accommodated 19 new families in different kibbutzim.
Yulia and Ekaterina were evacuated from kibbutz Nir Am (800 meters from the Gaza Strip) | Photo: JAFI
Today Yulia and Ekaterina are celebrating Hanukkah in Tel Aviv with other dwellers of their “First Home” and dreaming of returning to Nir Am.
Our families from kibbutz Or Ha Ner (2 km from the Gaza Strip) who were evacuated to Jerusalem are learning how to make “challah” on the last day of Hanukkah.
Today we will light the last candle. May the light fill our hearts with love and bring peace to our homes!
Please support the “First Home in the Homeland” Project. Any amount is welcome!
Assisting a family in the “First Home” program costs € 230 euro / US $ 250 a month.
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