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“Chanukah reminds us that light does not win in a single day, but it insists, it grows, and in the end, it overcomes the darkness.”
By United with Israel Staff
The first candle of Chanukah was lit Sunday evening at the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem in an emotional ceremony marked by faith, gratitude, and remembrance, attended by former hostage Segev Kalfon and members of his family.
Kalfon, who survived captivity, spoke movingly during the ceremony about returning to the holiest site in Judaism and the meaning of the festival of light in the shadow of ongoing darkness.
“To stand here and give thanks is a gift beyond measure,” Kalfon said. “The first candle symbolizes that small spark that defeats great darkness. A small and true light. I am standing here for those who are still there, for Ran Gvili. For him, we will make sure this light does not go out. This light is the thread that pulls him back home.”
He also reflected on the prayers offered on his behalf during his captivity. “Over the past two years, you carried prayers here at the Western Wall for me and for all the hostages,” Kalfon said. “Even from within the darkness, I felt the light.”
Kalfon added that while his personal journey has come full circle, the struggle is far from over. “Today, on a holiday of praise and gratitude, I am closing a circle, but my heart is with Ran Gvili, who is still there,” he said. “Chanukah reminds us that light does not win in a single day, but it insists, it grows, and in the end, it overcomes the darkness.”
The ceremony was held in the presence of Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi David Yosef, who offered prayers for the recovery of those wounded in the recent terror attack in Australia. The Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, lit a memorial candle in honor of the victims murdered in the attack.
Members of the public gathered at the plaza joined in prayers for the healing of the wounded and for the elevation of the souls of those who were killed, as the first Chanukah light was kindled at the Western Wall, symbolizing resilience, faith, and the enduring strength of the Jewish people.
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