Despite the somber atmosphere following the terrible forest fire in the North of Israel - a Chanukah party...

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“Despite the somber atmosphere following the terrible forest fire in the North of Israel, the Telfed Beit Shemesh Regional committee still felt that we must have a Chanukah party for the Southern Africans in Beit Shemesh and gather together in unity around the warm lights of the Chanukiya.” said Jonny Klompas , the Chairman of the committee.

The Chanukah party was held in conjunction with the Beit Shemesh municipality and the community organisation “Amutat Kehila” in the city’s auditorium. Candle lighting, singing of Chanukah songs and the essential consumption of freshly fried Sufganiyot in the foyer, (see attached picture), was followed by the screening of the film inspiring film “Invictus” in the large cinema hall.

“Commemorating the miracle of Chanukah, our Aliyah from South Africa and the miraculous success of the South African Ruby team in the World Cup of 1995, made this an evening to remember!” said Raffy Schwartz, one of the veteran South African Olim living in Beit Shemesh.

The next community function planned by the Telfed Beit Shemesh Regional Committee will be a tree planting ceremony on Tu Be’Shvat, B”H. Updates will be on the Telfed website.