After weeks of intense and complex logistical planning along with the IDF directorate and its Rabbis, everything came together in eight powerful days of nonstop light.
This year’s Chanukah activities were held with the theme of “A little light dispels a lot of darkness,” as a clear and proud Jewish response to the horrific terror attack against the Jewish community in Australia. From Assad Square to Gaza—this was a campaign that brought tremendous nachas to the Rebbe.
While families across Israel celebrated Chanukah at home, Ezer LaChayal volunteers wrapped up weeks of round-the-clock preparation for what turned out to be one of the largest Chanukah operations ever carried out for IDF soldiers. The message guiding the entire operation was clear: in the face of hatred and darkness directed at Jews, we answer with more light—stronger, brighter, and on the front lines themselves.
A convoy of 69 teams and vehicles traveled nightly to dozens of IDF bases. Every evening, Mitzvah tanks set out from Kfar Chabad, loaded with menorahs and candles, donuts, music, and an atmosphere of pure simcha. Hundreds of bochurim and shluchim gave of themselves with real mesirus nefesh, reaching hundreds of IDF soldiers and Border Police units and bringing Chanukah to 11,690 combat soldiers.
The numbers speak for themselves: 131 large-scale events, 217 public menorah lightings, energetic dancing, and Mivtza Tefillin that touched thousands of soldiers.
Together with Chabad of Golan Heights, led by Rabbi Shalom Hertzel, and through the dedicated efforts of R’ Shlomo Levnoni, menorah lightings were even held inside Syrian territory near Assad Square. In addition, giant menorahs were placed along the Gaza border, casting their light deep into the Gaza Strip itself.
Unit rabbis and commanders repeatedly told the devoted coordinators—those responsible for logistics, planning, and procurement—led by Pini Deitsch, Itzik Bak, and Baruch Sinai, as well as the many volunteers, that they truly gave the soldiers their Yom Tov, allowing them to celebrate Chanukah as proud Jewish soldiers.
Ezer LaChayal director Eliyahu Gutman summed up the operation with deep satisfaction:
“This was a Kiddush Hashem like no other, and a tremendous nachas for the Rebbe. The scope of the activities and the joy of the soldiers clearly show the tremendous thirst for light. It’s important to remember—Chanukkah is just a glimpse into our activities. Our connection and work with the units continues all year long, every single day. May we merit to illuminate the world and bring Moshiach now—Amen.”
