Joyous Chanukah Gathering for Terror Victims in Hadera

This past Wednesday evening‚ the 6th night of Chanukah‚ dozens of terror victims and their families‚ along with staff members of Chabad Terror Victims Project (CTVP)‚ gathered for a traditional Chanukah party at the Chabad House in Hadera.

This past Wednesday evening, the 6th night of Chanukah, dozens of terror victims and their families, along with staff members of Chabad Terror Victims Project (CTVP), gathered for a traditional Chanukah party at the Chabad House in Hadera.  

Mr. Zion Shitrit, who was severely wounded in a terror attack two years ago that took place in a market of Hadera, was given the special honor of lighting the Chanukah candles. Behind him stood a very meaningful sign with the Chanukah message: “Light will Prevail”.

Since the attacks, which traumatized the entire community of Hadera, there has been a long period of recovery. Today the community stands united in pride and committed to dealing with the challenges they face bravely and courageously.

Bereaved parents, widows, orphans, and the wounded all gathered together, as they have done in previous years, for this very special and meaningful celebration of Chanukah, the holiday that truly represents miracles. The families of terror victims demonstrated their unique strength and determination and shared their personal messages of hope, their belief in their own personal Chanukah miracles.

Warmly greeting each family at the doorway was Rabbi Yohanan Butman, Chabad Shaliach of Hadera. All of the Chabad Rabbis assisted the guests in lighting their own menorahs at their family tables. 

The main speaker for the evening was Rabbi Menachem Kutner, Director of CTVP, who discussed a special thought for Chanukah. He said that, “With a little light burning we can be illuminated and we can light others in their darkness. We can draw strength and overcome the challenges we face with the power and meaning we draw from the story of Chanukah and the miracles that took place during this very special season.”

Expressing the warmth and togetherness that exists amongst the families, Mr. Shitrit said, "We draw great strength from the Rabbis of Chabad Terror Victims Project who embrace us not only during Chanukah, but throughout the whole year. Thank you Chabad for embracing us and for being there for us at all times.”

The Chabad Rabbis then broke into singing and dancing, sweeping the whole crowd into the joyous excitement. The sounds of theKlezmer band and the atmosphere of Chanukah continued long into the Israeli night.