The Board of Deputies of British Jews announced its “Be Their Light” initiative, which encourages Jews in the United Kingdom to light a candle each night of Chanukah for every hostage with a British connection still being held by Hamas.
“It is unbearable to contemplate that these hostages, captured in such traumatic circumstances, are still held in Gaza,” said Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies. “At this time of darkness, we must all shine some light on their plight and pray for their release.”
The initiative urges individuals, families, communities, schools, synagogues and youth movements to participate and share pictures of their chanukiyot using the hashtags #BeTheirLightUK and #BringThemHomeNow.
Several Jewish institutions have been provided with printed cards of the nine hostages with British connections to place by their Chanukah displays. The information cards are also available for download on the campaign’s website.
“Chanukah is a time for families and communities to come together to celebrate the miracle of light and the importance of hope. A key element of the festival is ‘to publicize the miracle,’” the campaign’s website states. “We also need to publicize the plight of those who remain in captivity.”
“Be Their Light” co-sponsors include the Yellow Ribbon Campaign, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum UK, and the British Hostage Families.
