"This people of mine, this nation of mine, has been such a light to me." This week, as Jews around the world celebrate the eight days of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, these words are fitting, aren't they?
"In this holiday of lights, I just wish for one miracle. For the hostages to come home and the war to end..."
These words, spoken with both sadness and hope, perfectly summarize how all of us here in the Holy Land are feeling, as we enter the holiday season.
With Hanukkah this year coming at the same time as Christmas, it is a wonderful reminder for us all--Christians and Jews--that God's light continues to shine through the darkness, and He continues to perform wondrous miracles which we still witness, and pray for, each day.
While Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of oil that lasted for eight days, it also celebrates the miraculous victory of a small rag-tag group of Jews, known as the Maccabees, over a much more powerful enemy who was trying to destroy their faith. The story of Hanukkah is a story of survival. It's a story of heroism. And it's a story of miraculous victory- of light over darkness, freedom over oppression.
This season of light and miracles is also a poignant reminder that the people of Israel are now more than 400 days into a battle for our very survival. Like last year, we observe Hanukkah against a backdrop of war, suffering, and loss. And as we have for thousands of years, we continue to defend our land and our faith, and trust that God will bless us with victory. With survival.
This Hanukkah, I want to share with you eight incredible stories of Jewish heroes whose lives have inspired and encouraged me during this season of darkness. All eight of their stories bring light to the darkness, and the miracles they experienced bring me hope this Hanukkah. I pray they will bring you light and hope, too.
Today's story is special to me because it represents the fruit of a longstanding Today's story is special to me because it represents the fruit of a longstanding relationship that my father of blessed memory, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, had initiated 42 years ago as the founder and president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
When war broke out in Ukraine in 2022, The Fellowship was uniquely positioned to offer help immediately thanks to that partnership. In those early days of the war, the entire Tikva community of 1,066 people, including 486 children, about 90 elderly Jews, and the rest families, were evacuated from Odesa and moved to Bucharest, Romania with our help.
That they were able to stay together--the only Jewish community to survive intact from Ukraine--was the first of many miracles that the Tikva community experienced during that tumultuous time. Despite the incredible challenge of relocating that many people at one time, they were able to prepare and leave on time. At a time when antisemitism was rampant, the people of Romania and the Romanian government warmly welcomed them. Against all odds, they were able to find buildings for the orphanage and alumni.
But, to Refael Kruskal, CEO of Tikva Odesa, the greatest miracle they witnessed since that time has been the extraordinary support they have received from people around the world, like The Fellowship. "These people didn't know us personally, but they knew we needed help," he said. "Their support has been crucial to our survival, and that is one of the lights of Hanukkah we carry with us through these dark times."
That light is needed again in the aftermath of the deadly attacks of Oct. 7. According to Refael, the children are now reliving the experience of war in Ukraine. "As Jews, we have two homes--Ukraine, the birthplace of these children, and Israel, which represents the homeland for every Jew," he said. "Suddenly, these children felt as though both homes were in the midst of conflict, and their world was shattered for a second time."
As Refael and others associated with Tikva continue to support the children and community as these wars rage on, they know they are not alone. "I believe it's no coincidence that, in the midst of the dark winter, light shines through," Refael said. "The support and the people thinking of us and sending help are the lights of Hanukkah for us”
"We know that we have friends who truly understand the needs of the children and the challenges the people are going through. We know that in our time of need, you are always there to support the poor, the downtrodden, and those who need help. You have shown us time and time again --whether during the war in Ukraine or the war in Israel that you stand by our side. Your help is a blessing we hold close in our hearts." The story of Tikva is a poignant reminder that the Jewish people in Ukraine and Israel continue to suffer as they fight against the darkness of terrorism. Now more than ever, they need your prayers and support. During this holiest time of year, I ask our Christian friends to continue to light the way for their Jewish brothers and sisters. Together, like the Maccabees, we can overcome our enemies and conquer darkness with the light of faith.