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Who can retell the things that befell us, Who can count them?
In every age, a hero or sage, Came to our aid.
Shema--
In days of yore in Israel’s ancient land, Brave Maccabees led the faithful band
But now all Israel must as one arise, Redeem itself through deed and sacrifice.
As we prepare for Hanukkah and to light our chanukiyot, the celebration of Chanukkah resounds loudly in our generation. Hamas has risen up to destroy us and succeeded in murdering 1200 of our loved ones and taken hostages from our beloved eretz Yisrael. And, sadly, we watched much of the world line up against us. Many even looked at the terrorists as freedom fighters, both abroad and in our own backyards. However, slowly, country after country and supporter after supporter are understanding the terrorist regime and their desire to destroy Israel as a thriving, democratic Jewish state, our homeland. We have prayed toward Jerusalem and the Holy Temple since biblical times and will continue to do so.
As we celebrate Hanukkah, we know that Mi Yimalel has never been more true. Yet again we have risen up and triumphed over evil. We will prevail. We celebrate our ancient connection to Israel. This connection was verified just this week when a segment of an ancient wall, dating back to the latter part of the second century BCE, was discovered in the Old City of Jerusalem. Click Here to learn more.
At every time and in every generation, even in captivity, we remember the Maccabees and their bravery. Our Hanukkah celebration is even more meaningful as we strive to triumph over Hamas and the forces that seek our destruction. Click on the picture below to watch the hostages as they lit the chanukiyah in captivity.
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