The "Iron Swords" war, which broke out after the events of Black Saturday on 7 October, brought the State of Israel and its citizens to a situation they have not yet known – nationally, personally and emotionally. Many families in the Gaza envelope and the areas along the conflict line in the north have been forced to evacuate their homes, leaving behind their source of livelihood. The operations of many businesses were severely damaged when it stalled until further notice.
Israel Hayom, the country's leading media outlet, is mobilizing on their behalf, and will hold the "Fair of Light" to support business owners in areas along the conflict line, in cooperation with the Or movement and the Rashi Foundation. The festive event will take place at the Menorah-Mivtachim sports hall in Tel Aviv, during the Hanukkah vacation - December 12-10.
At the center of the event will be a sales fair of small businesses in a variety of fields: food and local produce, fruits and vegetables, toys, handicrafts, textiles, fashion and more. The stalls will be allocated to participating business owners free of charge, and the general public will be invited to rejoice during the holiday, express mutual guarantee and enjoy the produce and goods at attractive prices.
The event will include activities for children, creative corners, music and performances, as well as a traditional candle lighting every evening.
The Or movement, which participates in the event, works to develop the Negev and Galilee, settle them and turn them into national growth engines and independent centers, which will be a magnet for a population seeking quality of life and opportunities for self-realization and values in Israel.
"We are happy to take part in the Fair of Light, and to make sure that hope and optimism do not disappear despite everything," said Ronnie Palmer, founder and CEO of the movement, "The fair is an expression of the ability of Israeli society to get through unbearable times together, and an opportunity to come and support businesses and settlers, to take part in the continuation of the establishment of the state, to restore sanity to our lives and to shine again."
The Rashi Foundation, one of the largest and most influential social foundations in Israel, which takes part in the rehabilitation of southern settlements alongside leading business companies in the economy, will also participate in the event. The Foundation has been working for 40 years to strengthen Israeli society and create equal opportunities for employment from birth, with an emphasis on children, youth and young adults in the geographic and social periphery.
With the outbreak of the war, Rashi Foundation mobilized and established an emergency fund, leading significant relief and support activities in evacuated cities and dozens of communities, for more than 20,2 children and youth through 500,<> volunteers and staff.
Michal Cohen, CEO of the Rashi Foundation, said: "Since the outbreak of the war, Rashi Foundation has quickly and nationwide deployed thousands of volunteers and aid teams for immediate support in all matters related to community, authority, educational, religious, emotional resilience and more. Ongoing reinforcement and social, emotional, educational and economic support are central to creating necessary resilience among the authorities and communities, which have been hit hard."
Fair opening hours: Sunday, December 10, 19:00-13:00; Monday and Tuesday, December 12-11, 18:00-10:00.
The fair will be held according to Home Front Command guidelines and in safe spaces. Payment at the booths will be possible in cash or through Paybox and Bit apps. Some booths will also accept credit cards.
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