During Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, homes throughout the world share the joy and light that come with celebrating the holiday. Yet, for the estimated 444,900 Israeli households who struggle to make ends meet, the holiday season is often met with apprehension.

“Chanukah can be a particularly challenging time for struggling families,” explained Goldie Sternbuch, Director of Overseas Relations. “TikvaHope strives to lighten the lives of people during the holiday through a range of meaningful activities.”

TikvaHope’s Dimona club, located in southern Israel, is teaching students in its after-school programs that getting and giving go hand-in-hand. The organization arranged for over 100 children, who come from financially struggling or broken homes, to visit nursing homes and home-bound elderly to spread joy and light. They brought goodies, lit menorahs together, sang and entertained these people, all with items supplied by TikvaHope.
The Or Akiva northern Israel club also arranged forTikvaHope kids to visit the elderly and home-bound to deliver gift packages and share a delightful experience. In addition, a Chanukah holiday party with entertainment, food and music was enjoyed by hundreds of people, not only children who benefit from TikvaHope’s care and outreach but also for their families and the community at large.

Having our children share their special celebration with people outside of their circles helps to build confidence and positive relations with others,” reflected Sternbuch .

The highlight of the Or Akiva activities was a special Chanukah music show, a national attraction for all “regular” children in Israel during the holiday. TikvaHope provided transportation, tickets (which are costly) and a bagged meal for more than 50 children.

“The children wait a whole year for this opportunity,” Sternbuch states. “Additionally, the parents are so grateful to TikvaHope for providing such an opportunity as it isn’t something these families could do on their own. This normalizes needy children’s lives with an experience that other children have.”

As people all over the world light their menorah, adding another candle each night of Chanukah, we remember that a little light can dispel a lot of darkness. TikvaHope’s unwavering commitment to the less fortunate people of Israel truly brightens the lives of struggling families and children-at-risk.