Chanuka Gathering for Terror Victims in Sderot – Light inside‚ Firing outside

Despite the nonstop firing of Kassam rockets‚ tens of terror victim families and their children gathered for a joyous Chanuka party in Sderot‚ Organized by Chabad’s Terror Victim Project‚ along with the local Chabad House. Chanan Yakubov‚ whose father was killed by a Kassam lit the menora

Despite the nonstop firing of Kassam rockets, tens of terror victim families and their children gathered for a joyous Chanuka party in Sderot, Organized by Chabad’s Terror Victim Project, along with the local Chabad House. Chanan Yakubov, whose father was killed by a Kassam lit the menorah.

Tens of families who were affected by Kassams, including widows and orphans, bereaved parents and wounded children, gathered in Sderot to demonstrate that the light will prevail.

The party was planned several weeks in advance, but the massive firing of rockets on Sderot on the day of the event caused concern among the organizers that there will be a low turnout. However it was decided that specifically in such a difficult time, it’s necessary to bring strength and encouragement to those families affected by terror. The event took place as planned, with strict adherence to appropriate security measures.

Indeed, at the appointed hour, the flow of participants was steady, and to everyone’s joy and despite everything, the Chanuka party took place, attended by tens of families and their children.

The Shliach in Sderot, Rabbi Ze’ev Pizem, along with Rabbi Menachem Kutner of Chabad’s Terror Victim Project joyously greeted the children and presented them with beautiful gifts. Chanan Yakubov, whose father was killed by a Kassam rocket, lit the Menora. A magician enthralled the children with his tricks, followed by the Shliach, Rabbi Chananel Pizem reciting the twelve Pesukim with the children.

At the end of the event, all in attendance broke out in a joyous dance around the Menora, together with Rabbi Aharon Prus of Chabad Youth Organization. Mrs. Besad, whose son was seriously injured by a Kassam, warmly thanked the organizers for not forgetting them, and bringing them the warmth and light of Chanuka in these difficult days.