By COLlive reporter
Photos: Meir Alfasi
Israel’s Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant has been commanding the war against the Hamas terrorists of Gaza ever since their savage attack on Jewish people on October 7.
For Chanukah, he has been making it a point to light the Menorah in public and in meaningful places and with special people. He lit the second candle, for example, with soldiers of the 33rd “Caracal” Battalion and the Armored Corps on the Gaza border.
On the third night, he lit candles in front of the Shevach family’s home in Kibbutz Be’eri, where 100 people were murdered by Hamas some 2 months ago.
“While IDF soldiers light Chanukah candles in dozens of locations throughout the Gaza Strip and extinguish the light of Hamas terrorists, we work to restore the surroundings and bring back the light in all the kibbutzim and settlements,” Gallant said.
Gallant has taken up residence in his office in HaKirya, which contains the Tel Aviv District’s government center and the major base Camp Rabin of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Israeli sources reported that he slept on home only 2 nights since the war began. Otherwise, he’s been sleeping in his office.
So on the fourth night, the candles were brought to his office by Rabbi Menachem Ofen, a Chabad Shliach who is active with the IDF and security forces in Israel.
Rabbi Ofen brought with him Menorahs, donuts and drinks for all to enjoy.
Gallant, in his signature black button-down shirt he’s been wearing since the war started, was seen smiling.
It gave him a good opportunity to be joined by family members and especially his grandchildren, whom he held in his hands.
Together, they lit candles and were joined by soldiers in celebrating Chanukah, praying for He “who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.”
