Israelis Celebrate the Festival of Hanukkah

Israelis marked the first night of Hanukkah on Wednesday evening, the first time in many years that the first day of the eight day "Feast of Dedication" coincided with Christmas, on the 25th of December. All over Israel, at public venues and private homes, the first candle of Hanukkah was lit and people partook of traditional foods including jelly filled doughnuts to mark the occasion.

In a powerful symbol of resilience, the Israel Police have created a Hanukkiah made from pieces of rockets and missile fragments fired during the war with Hezbollah. This project, initiated by police bomb disposal experts, serves as both a memorial and a symbol of hope. Throughout Hanukkah, the Hanukkiah will travel across northern Israel, including areas like the Golan Heights, Kiryat Shmona, Rosh Pina, and Shfaram, to honor those who lost their lives in the conflict.

The Hanukkiah is built using rocket fragments from missiles that killed 12 Druze children in Majdal Shams, a teacher in Shfaram, and a couple in Kiryat Shmona. This project, dubbed “Lighting the North,” represents not only the destruction caused by the attacks but also the efforts of security forces and bomb disposal teams who worked tirelessly to save lives. Each night, the Hanukkiah will be lit in different locations, with families of victims, public representatives, and security forces joining in the ceremony.

The project will culminate on the final day of Hanukkah, when the Hanukkiah will be lit on Mount Meron during the annual “Zot Hanukkah” event, drawing thousands of visitors. This powerful tribute showcases the strength and unity of the Israeli people in the face of tragedy.

In a related story, the Consulate General of Israel in Atlanta has launched a heartwarming initiative to raise awareness for the 100 hostages still held captive in Gaza. In light of the holiday season, participants are invited to create unique Christmas ornaments featuring the names and photos of those still held by Hamas. The initiative aims to call for the immediate release of the hostages, including seven Americans.

As Christmas approaches, a time when families come together, Israel’s Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon explained that the initiative offers a meaningful way to involve the community in advocating for the hostages’ release. Prominent churches in Atlanta, including the First Baptist Church, have agreed to display these special ornaments on their Christmas trees. The ornaments will be accompanied by a yellow ribbon, symbolizing the fight for the hostages' freedom.

This initiative also provides participants with the opportunity to print and hang their own ornaments, ensuring that people from all over the region can engage in the cause and show their support. Sultan-Dadon emphasized that many of Israel’s supporters are eager to help but are unsure how, and this project provides a simple yet impactful way to act.