Families of Fallen Heroes Share in Chanukah Joy

The first night of Chanukah this year saw a very special and very moving ceremony on the Mamilla Mall in the heart of Jerusalem.

Under the dedicated direction of Rabbi Eliyahu Canterman of Chabad of Talbiya, a huge Chanukah menorah was constructed. Rabbi Canterman then invited Chabad’s Terror Victims Project (CTVP.ORG) to take part in the lighting of the menorah on the first night.

He asked CTVP to bring the 5 families of Israel Defense Forces soldiers who had died during the Gulf War this past summer to be Guests of Honor. Al five families from Jerusalem came, bringing 25 people in total. The event was attended by over 1,000 people.

With the theme of “Light will Win,” Rabbi Menachem Kutner of CTVP, together with the bereaved families, lit the giant menorah. There were tears in the eyes of everyone present as Rabbi Yossi Swerdlov of CTVP read the names of the five soldiers aloud.

Rabbi Canterman gave a moving D’Var Torah and Rabbi Aryeh Stern, the chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, offered words of comfort, encouragement, and blessing.

This was followed by festive dancing lead by brothers Jonathan and Aaron Razel who played Chanukah songs and brought families into circles to dance.

Then the families and CTVP joined Chabad of Talbiya for a delicious festive meal held at Café Rimon in Mamilla.

The evening was completed with Rabbi Cantorman and his wife thanking CTVP for bringing the families, and thanking the families for the great honor of being able to host them.

There are 72 families all across Israel who lost loved ones in the Gulf War. CTVP is traveling to the homes of every single one of these families during Chanukah, bringing them comfort and strength and lighting Chanukah candles with them.

Photos by Mendy Hechtman