Last night was the first night of Hanukkah.
I went to Mamilla Mall to watch the candlelighting of the large hanukiah
led by Sephardic Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar.
Some of his followers came,
but hundreds were in the crowd that gathered and watched from below.
There were even a few who watched from above.
Inside the mall were many hanukiot,
and one very proud family posing with one of the artists.
That was going to be the theme of this blog:
the signs of family, creativity, happiness and LOVE.
Then I got home and listened to the news of Hamas celebrations in Gaza
and Mashaal’s vow to continue fighting against Israel,
and not to give an inch. So much for peace partners.
Hanukkah is a celebration of good over evil and light over darkness.
So let me add a few other photos taken at Mamilla Mall all that
you will not see in the media stream media.
People of all religions were present at the candle lighting.
Arab girls were shopping in the mall as usual,
Arab young men were walking freely as usual, and there were even
Arab boys out riding their bikes near the large hanukiah near the Jaffa Gate.
Even with hundreds of Hanukkah celebrants on the streets, as usual,
there was no sign of Apartheid or BDS – Boycott, Divestment or Sanctions.
Hanukkah time in Jerusalem, Israel and there is just too much to do,
but here is a great source for some of the top Jerusalem events.
Meanwhile, while Hamas prepares its babies to be killers,
please contrast to how children are “used” in Jerusalem.
May the light from Jerusalem, Israel continue to be a light unto the nations.