Terror Victims in Yerushalayim Enjoy Tremendous Chanukah Celebration
Numerous families of terror victims from Yerushalayim gathered at a wonderful Chanukah party from the Chabad Youth Organization. The theme for the evening was “The Light will Vanquish the Darkness".
Numerous families of terror victims from Yerushalayim gathered at a wonderful Chanukah party from the Chabad Youth Organization. The theme for the evening was “The Light will Vanquish the Darkness".
There were widows and orphans, bereaved parents, and the wounded from the wars and terror attacks in Israel. All of them live daily with pain and trauma and, for those left behind, the excruciating loss of their beloved family members. Each of them surely deserved the respite of a few hours of happiness in a festive and uplifting atmosphere. This Chanukah party, which the staff of the Chabad Terror Victims Project organized, was the perfect setting.
The girls from a nearby seminary, who volunteer in the mentor project of the Chabad Youth Organization, greeted the guests with gifts of a Menorah and candles to take home and light in their own houses, as well as dreidels for the children.
The families gathered around beautifully set tables laden with delicious Chanukah doughnuts (sufganiyot) and other goodies. The evening was opened by Rabbi Menachem Kutner of the Chabad Youth Organization. He talked about the message the candles are giving us – that we are the proud bearers of light to ourselves, to our hearts, and to the whole world. It was a very apt message for these families who have felt personally and directly the force of darkness in the acts of violence that have shattered their lives. Chanukah, Rabbi Kutner said, brings us the message that "The Light Will Overcome".
After that, the families watched a fascinating video depicting the lighting of Menorahs all over the world. Then everyone gathered for the lighting of the Menorah.
Mr. Menashe Mizrachi was invited to light the Chanukah candles. His son, Alon, may his blood be avenged, was the security guard at the Hillel café in Yerushalayim when it was attacked. Alon, with courage beyond description, protected with his own body scores of Jews who were inside the restaurant when he jumped on the terrorist and wrestled with him at the entrance to the coffee house. The terrorist exploded himself, murdering Alon together with others who were standing at the entrance.
Together with Mr. Mizrachi, Mr. Omer Kit was also invited to light the Menorah. His son, Ofir, may his blood be avenged, was a soldier who was killed in Dugit, in Gush Katif.
And, asked to light the Menorah as well were the children of the Cohen Family. They have undergone arduous and painful rehabilitation after they were severely wounded in the terror attack on the Number 2 bus in Yerushalayim as it was on its way back from the Kotel.
After the lighting of the candles, everyone present joined in the traditional songs of Chanukah as well as participating in a joyous Chassidic dance.
The second part of the evening was entertainment by the Kleizmer, "Aharon the Player". He played Chanukah songs on original instruments such as a balloon, a saw on drink bottles, and literally made music on whatever moved. He brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
At the end of the event, everyone thanked the Chabad Youth Organization for the wonderful party and for their continual warmth, compassion, and attentiveness which empower victims of terror to continue coping with the many challenges that face them daily.