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Chanukah Highlights

Wed, 6 Jan 2021 2:17:00 PM

A Time of Joy/A Time of Tears

Chanukah is a joyous time in the Jewish calendar.

For families whose lives have been forever traumatized by terror and war, however, it is also a poignant time, when there is a desire to celebrate the holiday, but at the same time, the pain of loss has been deeply etched into their souls.

This year, 2020, was like no other. Working closely with the Israeli Ministry of Health, Chabad’s Terror Victims Project (CTVP) was able to arrange outside Menorah lightings. They were a little different than in the past, but they took place.

These lightings honor families of fallen war heroes and victims of terror attacks. The families have come to see these lightings as wonderful tributes to those they have lost and were devastated when they thought they would not happen this year.

Throughout Israel, these lightings honored those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for Israel and the Jewish people.

Before Chanukah even began in Israel, Rabbi Menachem Kutner, CTVP Director, and Moshe Gruenberg of CTVP, participated via Zoom, in the lighting of the first candle in Australia, with Shaliach, Rabbi Velly Slavin.

Rabbi Kutner shared stories of heroism and inspiration with the participants, detailing how even in the midst of Covid-19, CTVP has been able to bring hope and help to those suffering from the horror of violence.

The Oldest Wounded Soldier…

Sergeant Major Chaim Tamam is the oldest wounded soldier from Operation Protective Edge which took place in 2014 and was in response to rockets being fired into Israel from Gaza.

Together Sergeant Tamam lit the Menorah with Rabbi Kutner and Moshe Gruenberg.

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A Hero of Israel and the Jewish People

Baruch Ben Yigal lost his beloved son Amit to terror. Here he is seen lighting the Menorah with Rabbi Kutner and Moshe Gruenberg from CTVP.

Amit was a member of the elite IDF unit, Sayeret Golani, and was killed by terrorists this past year. He was a true hero of Israel and the Jewish people.

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They will Never be Forgotten…

For the families of wounded and fallen loved ones in Israel, these Menorah lightings mean so very much. They know that their sons, parents, siblings will not ever be forgotten, and they derive much solace and comfort knowing that.

One of the goals of CTVP was to bring the light of Chanukah all across Israel.

Click here to see a beautiful, touching video of the lightings.

CTVP Bringing Message of Light and Warmth Across Israel

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:16:00 PM

As we are in the midst of celebrating the beautiful holiday of Chanukah, CTVP staff and volunteers are once again fanning out across Israel, to bring the message of “Light will Win” to families throughout the country.

It is an especially timely message.

The Chanukah message of hope and light is helping all of us to see not only the miracles of the past, but the miracles around us every day.

We are going to the homes of terror victims and their families – those who have just suffered in this latest conflict and the thousands of others victims of terror.

We are bringing them dreidels, chocolate coins, menorahs and sufganiyot, the jelly doughnuts everyone in Israel loves so much. And we are staying to light the candles with them.

We are also visiting hundreds of IDF bases sharing the Chanukah light and spirit with our brave soldiers.

We have put up giant menorahs all around the country and are having public candle-lighting ceremonies for people everywhere.

We are having Chanukah parties for the children.

All of this brings hope and comfort to all those in Israel whose lives have been shattered by terror and war, whether a few weeks ago or a few years ago.

And the reason we can bring help and hope to these families is because we have you – our dear friends and partners – enabling us to ensure that these families are never forgotten. That their suffering is remembered and honored.

As you enjoy the light and beauty of Chanukah with those you love, please keep these families in Israel in your mind and in your heart. Please make the largest Chanukah gift you can to Chabad Terror Victims Project so we can go on helping.

In the merit of your kindness, compassion, and generosity may the light of the Chanukah candles shine brightly on you and bring joy and happiness to you and yours. Thank you.

Happy Chanukah!

CTVP Provided Hope and Assistance to Families for High Holidays

Fri, 9 Oct 2015 12:52:00 PM

As in previous years, the staff of CTVP facilitated special activities for the support and encouragement of victims of terror and war and their families in Israel during the High Holiday period. CTVP provided financial support, and home visits to families whose lives have been shattered by terror and war.

Wounded Israel Defense Forces soldiers were visited by CTVP staff members who came bearing gift packages containing honey and other special holiday treats, as a way of expressing our deep gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional and courageous sacrifices these heroes of Israel have made for the nation and land of Israel.

Over 3000 families of terror victims and soldiers received New Year's cards with special blessings for the High Holidays, reminding them that they are never forgotten, that the sacrifices their loved ones have made will always be in our hearts. During the holidays their bereavement is most acutely felt and this is a time when the support and friendship of all of us is most needed.

During Chol HaMoed Succot, special activities and parties were arranged to bring the joy of this very special festival to all these families.

CTVP HELPS TERROR VICTIMS FOR THE UPCOMING PASSOVER HOLIDAY

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 11:40:00 AM

CTVP HELPS TERROR VICTIMS FOR THE UPCOMING PASSOVER HOLIDAY

CTVP has begun the annual "Passover help program" enabling the terror victims who are under financial burden to celebrate and enjoy the Holiday of Passover.

CTVP has begun the annual "Passover help program" enabling the terror victims who are under financial burden to celebrate and enjoy the Holiday of Passover. The Families and individuals being helped are from all parts of Israel. Many have been hit recently with rocket attacks in the cities of Ashkelon and Sderot, while others are still affected from explosions and gun attacks that occured several years ago. "The finacial strain put on an average family after a terrorist attack can last for years and be very overwhelming ,especially before the holidays" said Menachem Kutner director of operations at ctvp in Israel. ''The joy we can bring to a family by helping them with the passover expenses lifts a load off their shoulders and brings a warm smile to their faces'' Kutner further commented. The ctvp delivers Matzoh and wine as well, allowing the families to experience the holiday traditions with the strong feeling that they are not alone.

Hundreds of Volunteers To Visit Terror Victims on Purim

Wed, 4 Mar 2015 2:53:00 AM

Chabad's Terror Victims Project (CTVP) rallied hundreds of volunteers to bring mishloach manos, traditional gifts of food, to terror victims and their families on Purim. There are currently over 3000 such families in Israel who have either lost a loved one or have a relative who was injured in the war against Palestinian terror. These families have to deal with a painful reality every day, including the tragic loss or injury of someone they loved and incurable trauma.

As Purim and the month of Adar, a time of rejoicing approach, many families find it impossible to forget their pain and join in the festive celebrations. A woman whose husband was seriously injured in a terror attack told her son, “Who has the energy or the desire to start with Purim costumes, a kindergarten party, ormishloach manos for your schoolfriends while Daddy is still in Beit Levenstein doing rehabilitation?”

CTVP director, Rabbi Menachem Kutner, has announced that this year volunteers will visit over 3,000 terror victims and their families on Purim, bringing them festival joy and doing the mitzvos of the day with them. CTVP rallied volunteers from around the country to act as the “infantry” of over 300 Chabad Houses countrywide. The volunteers will bring the families a package of mishloach manos and true festival joy.

Many family members have said that they feel that most of the public had forgotten their suffering. But CTVP's joyful Purim visits deeply move them and gave them a rare moment of happiness with a feeling of solidarity at exactly the right time.

Chabad volunteers will also invite the families to Megillah readings and take part in special celebrations for children and their parents. Needy families were invited to Purim meals in the homes of the volunteers and will take an active part in the joy of the festival.

A Chanukah Miracle in 2014

Wed, 24 Dec 2014 11:44:00 AM

Dozens of Israel Defense Forces soldiers, wounded in this summer’s Gaza War, remain in rehabilitation Sheba/Tel Hashomer Hospital today.

With the theme of “The Light will Win!” bringing promise and hope to all, Chabad’s Terror Victims Project (CTVP.ORG) visited these wounded soldiers on the second night of Chanukah.

CTVP has been with these soldiers and their families from the time they were wounded and continues to be with them as they go through the difficult and painful process of rehabilitation. We monitor their progress and provide assistance of all kinds – financial, emotional and practical – for both the soldiers and their families, and will do so for as long as they need us.

On this Chanukah night, the soldiers, their families, and Chabad’s Terror Victims Project staff and volunteers gathered in the Rehabilitation Department of the hospital.

At a moving ceremony, the group, led by Rabbis Menachem Kutner and Yossi Swerdlov of CTVP, kindled the Chanukah candles together symbolizing the miracles and wonders that our ancestors experienced in long-ago days. And symbolizing the miracle of the survival of these courageous soldiers and the hope for full healing for all of them.

All of the stories of these soldiers are miracles in their own right. But one story in particular stood out that evening, as a miracle took place in the view of everyone present.

Ohad was critically injured during the war. CTVP had gone to his bedside right after his admission to Soroka Hospital, learning from his family of the severity of his condition. Ohad lay unconscious from a traumatic head injury.

Since we first met Ohad and his family last summer, he has miraculously regained consciousness. He was transferred to Tel Hashomer for rehabilitation. With great effort, he is learning the alphabet and slowly learning to speak again. His first words were Mom and Dad, but so far that was all he was able to say.

Ohad was invited to light the menorah with Rabbi Kutner. Rabbi Kutner said the blessings and Ohad held the candle with his left hand which was functional (he is pictured in the wheelchair).

Then, suddenly, the room went quiet as Ohad slowly began to mouth the words to “Haneirot Halalu” and “Maoz Tzur” along with Rabbi Kutner. The familiar tunes that he had learned during his childhood created a miracle before the eyes of everyone.

His parents ran up to him and showered him with hugs and kisses mixed with tears of joy. There was not a dry eye in the room as everyone acknowledged this great miracle and expressed thanksgiving to G-d. Everyone is asked to please continue to pray for the ongoing recovery of Ohad ben Erica and all the brave IDF soldiers who have sacrificed so much to protect our precious homeland of Israel for all of us.

During the party, CTVP Rabbi Yossi Swerdlov and his son Avremah, together with the Chabad Shaliach to Sheba/Tel Hashomer Hospital, Rabbi Levi Gopin, gave each wounded soldier and all the patients in the Rehabilitation Department, a personal gift pack that included a Chanukah menorah. Rabbi Hagai Levi, a Chabad Shaliach to the Diamond District nearby, also participated in the ceremony, and gave his blessings to the wounded.

It was an extraordinary evening that will be remembered for years to come by everyone there as the Chanukah that produced its own miracle in our time.

Chabad lights menorah with bereaved families

Tue, 23 Dec 2014 12:15:00 AM

Hundreds gather around giant menorah in Rishon LeZion to mark holiday with relatives of soldiers who fell in Operation Protective Edge earlier this year.

Eli Senyor ynetnews.com

The families of three soldiers killed in Operation Protective Edge gathered Thursday with hundreds of Rishon LeZion residents and Mayor Dov Tzur around a giant Hanukkah lamp erected by the local Chabad House and the municipality.

Staff Sergeant Matan Gotlib of the IDF's Maglan unit, Staff Sergeant Tal Yifrach of Golani, and Sergeant First Class Daniel Marash of the Armored Corps were killed five months ago. This was their families' first Hanukkah without them.

Beside the nine meter menorah, Shmulik Gotlib, Matan's father, and Chabad representative Rabbi Chaim Rivkin, ascended to a platform and lit the third candle together as relatives watched from below.

Relatives of the three soldiers at the ceremony (Photo: Chabad)

"There's no such thing as a 'happy Hannukah' for us freshly bereaved parents," said Gotlib. "How can it be happy when the most precious thing of all will not return? But an event like this, with this support and especially the feeling that the Israeli people have not forgotten our sons' sacrifice, ease the pain a little."

Noy Yifrach, the sister of Golani soldier Tal, made a blessing. Head of Chabad's Terror Victims Project, Rabbi Menachem Kutner, said that "our enemies celebrate with candy and singing the fact that they manage to commit murderous acts of terror and destroy life, but we are sending a message of light to the entire world.

"A bright, shining light of wonderful families who lost what was most precious to them, but will never lose their faith in the strength of the Israeli people."

‘Light Will Win’ at Jerusalem Chanukah Ceremony for Fallen Soldiers

Fri, 19 Dec 2014 12:38:00 AM

The families of five young IDF soldiers from Jerusalem who were killed this summer in the Gaza war, joined by more than 1,000 Israelis and visitors, gathered near the Jaffa Gate to the Old City on Tuesday night—for a very moving ceremony on the first night of Chanukah.

A huge Chanukah menorah was constructed in the Mamila Mall under the direction of Rabbi Eliyahu Canterman, co-director of the Chabad Center of Talbiyeh in Jerusalem. He invited the Chabad Terror Victims Project (CTVP) to take part in the menorah-lighting, asking to bring the families of the five IsraelDefense Forces soldiers from Jerusalem—Sgt. Dor Derei, Staff Sgt. Liel Gidoni, Staff Sgt. Moshe Malko, Capt. Dimitri Levitas and Lieut. Natan Cohen—who were killed during this summer’s war with Hamas in Gaza to be the guests of honor.

All five families came, bringing 25 people in total to the event, with its theme “Light Will Win.” More than 1,000 Israelis and visitors crowded the mall to observe the ceremony.

Canterman gave a moving d’varTorah, and Rabbi Aryeh Stern, the Ashkenazi chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, offered words of comfort, encouragement and blessing.

There were tears in the eyes of everyone present as Rabbi Yossi Swerdlov, associate director of CTVP, read the names of the five soldiers aloud and spoke to the crowd that had assembled.Canterman gave a moving d’varTorah, and Rabbi Aryeh Stern, the Ashkenazi chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, offered words of comfort, encouragement and blessing.

“We gather here tonight to remember these holy souls and to stand with the families in solidarity,” he said. “Our message to them is a message of light, warmth and love. May G‑d give the families comfort, and may their loved ones’ neshamas [souls] have a true Aliyah. We are with you and give you a big virtual hug. We want you to know that Chabad is with you, the people of Israel are with you, Am Yisrael is with you.”

Rabbi Yossi Swerdlov (Photos: Mendy Hechtman)

Emphasizing the evening’s theme, CTVP director Rabbi Menachem Kutner, together with the bereaved families, lit the giantmenorah.

“The message of Chanukah is one of light. We are told that a little bit of light can push away a lot of darkness,” he said. “Tonight, we honor you with the kindling of the menorah, to help show the world that light overcomes darkness.”

The words of inspiration were followed by festive dancing led by brothers Jonathan andAaron Razel, who played Chanukah songs and brought families into circles to dance.

The evening ended with Canterman and his wife, Chana, thanking CTVP for bringing the families, and thanking the families for the honor of being able to host them. CTVP took the families and others out afterwards for a festive meal at Café Rimon on the mall.

Rabbi Aryeh Stern, Ashkenazi chief rabbi of Jerusalem, greets a family member who came to a Chanukah menorah-lighting ceremony in honor of Israeli Defense Forces soldiers killed in the summer war with Hamas in Gaza. Next to them is Rabbi Menachem Kutner, director of the Chabad Terror Victims Project, which invited the families. (Photo: Mendy Hechtman)

A total of 72 families lost a loved one in the summer war, and the lighting was in all of their memories. CTVP has made it a point over the eight-day holiday to visit each city where families suffered a loss.

Staff will also spend time with many of the more than 3,000 families they are assisting who have been affected in past wars and terror attacks, bringing them comfort and strength, and lighting Chanukah candles with them.

Families of the fallen take in the candles and the theme, "Light Will Win." (Photo: Mendy Hechtman)

More than 1,000 people observed the ceremony on the first night of Chanukah. (Photo: Mendy Hechtman)

The event ended with dancing in the streets. (Photo: Mendy Hechtman)

The rejoicing, even after a somber tone to the evening, showed that “the message of Chanukah is one of light. We are told that a little bit of light can push away a lot of darkness.” (Photo: Mendy Hechtman)

Our Wishes for the New Year

Wed, 1 Oct 2014 3:47:00 PM

All of us at Chabad’s Terror Victims Project want to send you our deepest appreciation for your extraordinary support and dedication to the many families in Israel whose lives have been shattered by terror and war. Your commitment to them is an extraordinary source of strength, hope, and healing for them.

We want to wish you, your loved ones, and all of Israel a year of good health and happiness, of meaning and purpose, of peace everywhere.

May all the soldiers who were wounded be healed, may all the bereaved families be comforted, may the children return to lives without fear, and may it be a year of mercy and compassion for Am Yisrael in Israel and around the world!

Prime Minister Bakes Matzah with Victims of Terror at CTVP headquarters in Kfar Chbad

Mon, 7 Apr 2014 8:37:00 AM

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu Bakes Matzah with Victims of Terror at CTVP headquarters in Kfar Chbad

On June 21, 2002 Israel soldier Kfir Levy’s Givati unit was operating in the Gaza strip, responding to terrorist rocket strikes and artillery fire, when a rocket-propelled grenade designed for use against armored vehicles and buildings struck him directly in the face.

Known as “Israel’s worst Gaza injury”, Kfir was in a coma for four months, underwent 130 surgeries, is blind in one eye, requires hearing aids, needs mechanical assistance to walk and is paralyzed on his right side.

Last week Kfir got to back Matzah with the Prime Minister of Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu took the time to talk to Kfir and his father Tzion. Kfir told his story and how CTVP was with him from the early days of his injury. The Prime Minister was visibly moved. He told Kfir that the entire nation is proud of him and is with him in his struggles.

The PM quoted the Haggadah, saying: “In every generation, they stand up against us to destroy us, but the Holy One, Blessed be He, saves us from their hands … we celebrate the festival of freedom with faith in the Jewish nation and the G‑d of Israel.”

Prime Minister Praises The Rebbe and Chabad

After the matzah-baking, the prime minister viewed a video of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, speaking about the importance of the Land of Israel. The premier commented, “For me, the Rebbe was an exceptional personality who touched on the eternal fundamental basis of our people, our faith, our land, our birthright, our brethren everywhere, our desire to return to our land. All of these things were sacred for him, and they still ring within me. They were not just words.”

“Every meeting with the Rebbe was like drawing from a well of living waters, literally so,” said Netanyahu. “Not [just] to light the candle of truth, not just to be a light unto the nations, but to be strengthened on the inside. I am sure that your strength will be a source of inspiration for the future as well. I thank you.”

“I know that you will go and celebrate Passover all over the world. I’ve noticed that Chabad does not rest—working 24/7, 365 days a year. All the time. This also warms the heart. Wherever I go in the world, I meet Chabad chassidim, the representatives of the spirit, the love of Jewish people, the nicest side of Judaism. I want to thank you for that as well,” the prime minister concluded.

CTVP to Aid Terror Victims during Passover Holiday

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:39:00 AM

CTVP to Aid Terror Victims during Passover Holiday

CTVP has begun the annual "Passover Help Program".

The goal is to provide assistance to victims of terror and war and their families who are under even greater financial pressure during the Passover holiday season. It is urgent that they are able to celebrate and enjoy this deeply meaningful holiday without the stress of worry.

We are assisting families and individuals all across the country who have been affected by the recent terrible increase in terror attacks, including the fatal bombing near a bus that happened in Jerusalem on March 23. As well, there has also been an escalation in rocket attacks from Gaza which has put the communities in that area of the country under tremendous fear and strain. And there are all the families we were already caring for who have suffered from attacks and war over the past years.

"The financial and emotional strain put on an average family after a terrorist attack can last for years and be extraordinarily overwhelming, especially around the holidays," said Menachem Kutner, Director of Operations at CTVP in Israel.
''The joy we can bring to a family by helping them with Passover expenses lifts a tremendous burden off their shoulders, bringing a smile of gratitude to their faces and with it, the ability to truly enjoy the holiday with their family. In many cases, when needed, we also make arrangements for them to share the Seder with families nearby which alleviates the loneliness the holiday can bring after the tragic loss of a loved one,'' Kutner further commented.

CTVP also makes special deliveries of matzah and wine to all the families ensuring that they have these essential ingredients for the holiday and reminding them yet again that they are not alone, that they have CTVP with them on their journey to recovery, for as long as they need us.