Chanucah Gifts for English Servicemen

MANCHESTER, England [CHI] — Jewish armed forces members will be able to celebrate Chanucah – thanks to South Manchester Lubavitch.

The Jewish Committee for Her Majesty’s Forces has reinstated the practice of gifts for personnel serving away from home.

Committee vice-chairman Colonel Martin Newman said: “We have provided this facility for some time.

”Captain Mike Poloway approached a kosher supplier and Rabbi Dovid Jaffe, of South Manchester Lubavitch.

“Our Jewish troops can sometimes feel isolated when they are away from their families over festivals, but they continue to do a sterling job serving their country.”

The parcels contain food and confectionery as well as candles and menorot, which have been provided by Lubavitch.

There are currently Jewish members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Africa, Belgium and Germany.

Captain Poloway said: “We know from the response we received after Rosh Hashana that these parcels are important to our people and we hope to repeat the exercise for Purim and Pesach.

”Two of our officers who came under fire over yomtov shared their halva, apples and honey with their non-Jewish soldiers during a quiet and reflective moment.“

Meanwhile, South Manchester Lubavitch has launched an appeal for children’s toys for Chanucah.

The donated toys are either given to needy families or sold at a small cost.

Project manager Michelle Ciffer said: ”We are particularly interested in dolls and board games and other toys that are suitable for young Jewish children. We always welcome more toys to meet the demand.“

South Manchester Lubavitch is also working with radio station Key 103 to distribute surplus items to children from the wider community.

Rabbi Jaffe said: ”The project aims to bring festive spirit to the needy, underprivileged and wider community.“

The project also includes Chanucah parties for children with special needs, visits to hospitals and the housebound, and to old age homes and day centres.

He added: ”There are also visits to non-Jewish schools with Jewish pupils.”

To donate toys for children of all ages, telephone Lubavitch on 929 9999.