In the shadow of concern: A, a young man living in an enemy state, lit Hanukkah candles secretly - and documented his associates: "Hope that in the future he will mark Hanukkah without fear, here in Israel"

• President Rivlin and head of the Cohen institution at the ceremony for the awarding of certificates of excellence to employees and employees of the organization // Photo: Haim Zach / GPO

Celebrating Chanukah in an Enemy State: A, a young man living in a hostile state of Israel, recently documented how he secretly lit the Chanukah candles, afraid he would swallow him if he did so openly.

This is a resident of an Arab state, whose name is not allowed in advertising and is not in diplomatic relations with Israel. Several members of his family were murdered in the past.

In the past year, A has been in contact with a representative of the Yad Layim organization and is talking with him about what is happening in Israel, the holiday period and even about the time of lighting the Chanukah candles.

In order for A. to agree with the representative, the latter traveled to the north of the country and met with an acquaintance of a resident of the enemy state. A's concern was that they would trace him and hurt him or his family.

Lighting the menorah that was secretly documented // Photo: Yad Lahayim

In the correspondence between the two, First A says that he lit the Chanukah candles in his home. He then asked the representative of the organization "My brother, how are you in the Holy Land of Israel? We can talk on the phone about the Holy Torah."

"When A. approached us a few months ago, wanting to get closer to Judaism and his traditions, even though he and his family are living as rapists, we did a comprehensive test to verify his Jewish roots," Yad Lay Brothers said. "Since then, we have been in continuous contact with him. We have been exposed to a family that has been working hard to keep its identity in such a dangerous position. We hope that in the future A. and his family will be able to celebrate Chanukah with us, together with all our brothers, openly and without fear. "

A candle of empowerment

"Celebrating Chanukah with so many young Jews from all over the world, in Eretz Israel, is a truly amazing and empowering experience," said Emma Baldinger, 19, of Florida, at the annual Hanukkah event of hundreds of Birthright participants from around the world yesterday.

Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson - Lighting a fifth candle at the annual Hanukkah event at the Jaffa Theater // Photo: Gideon Markovich

Birthright Winter is currently in full swing - thousands of participants will be touring Israel in the coming weeks. Birthright CEO Gidi Mark told young people: "This week, 20 years ago, the first group of birthright landed in Israel, marking the beginning of a historic shift in the way young Jewish people like you identify with their Jewish community, and with Israel. Today, the discovery has 750,000 graduates around the world. David Ben-Gurion once said: "In Israel, anyone who does not believe in miracles is unrealistic," and our miracle of success proves that. "

The candle lit ceremony was attended by the honorary guests Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson, among the major contributors to the discovery. Dr. Miriam Adelson: "You are currently experiencing the best that Israel, Judaism and Zionism have to offer. You must cherish these memories and protect them. Be a challenge and a great privilege for you. Keep spreading the light as the best of Jewish tradition. May this journey bring you back here soon. Until then, continue to bring pride to our people. "

Yuri Yelon participated in the preparation of the news

Proper Disclosure: Dr. Miriam Adelson is publisher of "Israel Today". The Adelson Family Owns the Company Holding "Israel Today" Shares