Letters from Israel

I spent the last night of Hanukkah with my friends Uri and Orital, as planned. Two of their daughters and their families were also there. As we were preparing to light the candles, both girls recalled that Jane and I had given them each a Menorah as wedding gifts. They use them. All of these families would define themselves as “secular,” but that term is misleading. Secular Israelis celebrate Jewish holidays and often have a Shabbat dinner. The children, ages 16 to 2.2, were delighted to help set up the candles, recite the blessings, and sing songs. (OK, 2.2 didn’t know the blessings).

But what made the festivities particularly meaningful is that the kids’ fathers were there to celebrate with their families. They are the two men sitting on the couch. Both of them have been called into reserve duty - one serving in the north (dealing with Hezbollah attacks from Lebanon, and the other in the south (meaning Gaza). The one on the left actually came straight from Gaza front, just as we were preparing to light the Hanukkiot. It was one of those scenes where the soldier dad returns and the kids run into their arms. (I wasn’t quick enough with my camera, but I’m sure you can picture it.). We all recited the traditional blessing aloud. I know there were some very heartfelt blessings recited silently, as well.

Conversation never strays from the war and the hostages, for long.  After the kids left and the candles went out and I was about to go to my hotel, Uri and Orital said they wanted to give me something they thought I should have. Yes, it’s a dog tag. The Hebrew says: “Our hearts are imprisoned in Gaza.” The English: “Bing them home now.” Many people are wearing them.

There were candles on Shabbat, too, but I still wore my tag. And last night, at the conclusion of Shabbat, I attended a rally at “the square of the kidnapped.” Israelis have been gathering there daily, but there are particularly large rallies at the conclusion of Shabbat. There were 10’s of thousands of people. The chant and the message were clear: “Bring them home now.”

There are displays of all sorts around the square. There was a havdallah ceremony, singers, dancers, and speeches. Perhaps a few pictures can convey some of the scene:

Let’s hope and pray that this is the Last Night !