Special Night for IDF Heroes

Motzei Shabbos Chanukah on Mamilla Ave. saw a modern day miracle.

Due to the serious security concerns that have affected the store owners, Mamilla and other outdoor malls in Jerusalem have been close to empty over the past two months.

Motzei Shabbos defied all odds as Jewish pride, joy and unity became the reality on Mamilla Avenue. Over 1,300 people came out to honor and celebrate with Chayal El Chayal’s Lone Soldiers at Chabad Center of Talbiyas Seventh Candle lighting event.

Chayal el Chayal provides a warm and welcoming family for the young Jewish men and women who come to Israel from around the world to serve in the IDF, risking their own lives to protect the lives of the Jewish nation. This Motzei Shabbos they brought dozens of Lone Soldiers to Chabad of Talbiya’s Grand Menorah lighting. Everyone present felt the miraculous lights of Chanukah as they joined together in singing and dancing to the cutting edge music that the Portnoy Brothers Band expressed so energetically.

Tzur Goldin, twin brother of Hadar Goldin HYD – the last soldier to fall in operation protective edge, lit a candle and spoke in remembrance of his brother, expressing a plea and prayer for his brother’s body to be returned home.

The love and empathy in the crowd was palpable. Rabbis Kutner and Swerdlov, directors of Chabad Terror Victims Project, welcomed the Mizrahi family (who lost a son 12 years ago in a terror attack and a grandson, Ziv HYD, last month in yet another terrorist attack) to light a candle, to celebrate the strength and determination of Am Yisroel to live on and be a light to the world despite all odds. The singing and dancing was endless.

Following this incredible event, the Lone Soldiers were brought back to one of the Chayal el Chayal homes, to enjoy a lavish BBQ partially sponsored by Friends of Chabad of Talbiya. It was a night not to be forgotten.