Dovid is a former IDF Special Forces Officer now languishing in a prison in South America. On the first night of Chanukah, he sent this picture to the Aleph Institute. Thanks to Aleph, even in his dark dismal cell, the light of Yiddishkeit still shines.
This Chanukah, Aleph shipped 1,073 menorahs, 1,234 boxes of candles, 1,500 dreidels, and 1,855 “gelt” chocolate bars to prisons and military bases around the world. Aleph also distributed more than 220 toys to children with a parent in prison—you should have seen the smiles that shined on their faces when they unwrapped their gifts! In addition, Aleph organized dozens of volunteers who traveled across the United States bringing the spirit of Chanukah to incarcerated Jews—some of whom haven’t received a single visit in years.
One man wrote to Aleph: “I want to personally thank you for making a miracle. After 28 years [in prison] this was the first year we were able to enjoy a donut on Hanukkah and we cannot thank you enough for making us feel like we are not in prison and also loved. It’s been a difficult year. Aleph and its Rebbe and helpers have made these years tolerable and educational. We will never lose faith in Hashem and know that our prayers are always heard. Thank you for making another year special and giving us a reason for everything. Chag Sameach!”
Aleph’s International Advocacy Department has worked tirelessly and successfully to ensure that incarcerated Jews across the globe have the freedom to celebrate and observe the holiday. This year, Aleph worked with Rabbi Yonatan Markovich, the Chief Rabbi of Kiev and the official rabbi for the 171 prisons in the Ukraine, to develop a program to ensure that Jewish men and women in prisons around the country were able to light Chanukah candles for the first ever. Thanks to Aleph’s support, they were also able to send Kosher food packages to prisons around the country for Chanukah, as well as for Shabbos meals during the year.
Through religious advocacy, emotional support, prison programs, military services, family resources, financial aid, spiritual guidance, and more—Aleph is the key that unlocks hope for thousands in need. But they cannot do it alone. As a non-profit, Aleph depends on the generosity of individuals like you who believe in their mission. With G-d’s help, on Dec. 19-21, Aleph will raise $1 million to fund their lifesaving services.
Can they count on your support?
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It is a Very nice thing to give hope to the hopeless. Not an easy thing to help prisoners Nd Many people dont know how