Jerusalem, December 5, 2023 — As the Jewish world gets set to celebrate Hanukkah with heavy hearts this year, The Jewish Agency for Israel has produced a special kit for use each night titled ‘In Their Light’ to honor heroes of October 7, available at www.intheirlight.org/.

“In Their Light” spotlights eight inspiring stories of courage and heroism shown by men and women during the early events of October 7 in the face of Hamas terrorism. Sometimes their acts of bravery saw them being injured, or losing their lives. The Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror has been supporting these and thousands of other bereaved families and families of the injured since that accursed Shabbat morning.

Each night during the eight nights of Hanukkah, The Jewish Agency asks individuals around the world to choose one of these heroes’ stories to light up our world by dedicating the night’s candle lighting to that person. The kit contains eight stories of courage as well as two empty cards so people can add their own heroes. Stories of bravery are not limited to the local community, nor to Jews, and everyone is invited to choose their own heroes to include.

After lighting the candles and sharing the story of the chosen hero, individuals are asked to share their photos by gathering around the menorah, holding up the card with the hero’s story, and tagging the organization on social networks using the hashtag #InTheirLight.

Thousands of Jewish Agency Shlichim (Israeli emissaries) stationed around the world are distributing these heroes’ stories to their communities. In North America, hundreds of shlichim will distribute them along with over 3,000 packs of candles that were ordered from a factory in Sderot, which suffered extensive attacks on October 7 and has since been evacuated.

Mark Wilf, Jewish Agency Chairman of the Board of Governors, noted: “The sorrow and grief we are all feeling is unbearable, but through the depths of such darkness, countless stories of valor shine. In Their Light allows us to acknowledge some of the heroes of this time and bring glimmers of hope into our homes this Hanukkah.”

Please find more information and the kit here: www.intheirlight.org/.

Media Contact:
Jake Sharfman, J Cubed Communications
Jake@JCubedPr.com
248-515-3853

About The Jewish Agency for Israel:

Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. It was instrumental in founding and building the State of Israel and continues to serve as the main link between the Jewish state and Jewish communities everywhere. This global partnership has enabled it to address the Jewish People’s greatest challenges in every generation. Today, the Jewish Agency connects the global Jewish family, bringing Jews to Israel, and Israel to Jews, by providing meaningful Israel engagement and facilitating Aliyah. It also strives to build a better society in Israel – and beyond – energizing young Israelis and their worldwide peers to rediscover a collective sense of Jewish purpose. The Jewish Agency continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.