In the name of rescuing hostages

In the name of rescuing hostages

The Jewish learning center in St. does a lot of good deeds for people and society. Island. On November 24, a meeting of concerned people took place to express their solidarity with the 220 hostages captured by Hamas terrorists on October 7.
 
The opening remarks were made by the program director of the JRLC (Jewish-Russian Learning Center) Rebbetz Tanya Kogan, who noted how symbolic the event, planned several weeks ago, is taking place on the day when the first group of hostages was released, and in the Torah section, this week , talking about the return of wives and children home! You can fight darkness only by adding light! All the guests saw the empty seats of the hostages who were not yet with us.
Among those present was 49th Ward City Council member St. Island Camille Hanks, who visited Israel last year. She was outraged by the barbarity and massacre committed by Hamas, emphasizing that all people, regardless of race or religion, must unite and condemn crimes against humanity!
JCC General Director Orit Lander, who had just returned from Israel, described the terrible scene at Kibbutz Kfar Aza. She visited the sites of the massacre and spoke about her feelings as she stood at the site of the terrible tragedy, emphasizing how important it is that we all stand together and support Israel, where our brothers and sisters live.
After prayer and a minute of silence, candles were lit. It was touching and unforgettable.
An interesting fact is that at the previous event the women made the candlesticks themselves, and the candles were sponsored by generous people. Those who were unable to come to the event, but wanted to show their support, donated money, which was sent to a fund to help those affected in Israel.
The ceremony was concluded with a powerful speech by Rabbi Eli Kogan, director of the educational center. He talked about a special unique property of light: when you light another candle, the light of the first one does not become less.
By lighting candles, bringing more light, doing good deeds, promising donations and performing mitzvahs, especially now, we will bring divine salvation and all captives will be released and returned.
The ceremony concluded with a Saturday lunch, interesting speeches and inspiring ideas.
Marina Lagunova