The celebrations of the first night of Hanukkah began across Israel with community events, ceremonies, and festive candle lightings across the nation.
Amid the joy, concern remains palpable, as Israelis closely monitor developments in negotiations for the release of more than 100 hostages, still held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The first Hanukkah candle was lit at the Western Wall in the presence of families of hostages.
In the Navy's Snapir unit, the first Hanukkah candle was also lit. Snapir is a combat unit that includes both male and female fighters, tasked with missions such as protecting ports and conducting special security operations along the country's maritime borders.
Noam Levy, an IDF soldier who was narrowly saved from death during the Swords of Iron War, lit the first Hanukkah candle alongside the doctor who saved his life, in the neonatal ward of the hospital.
Noam Levy stated: "For me, this Hanukkah is a celebration of a personal miracle. I am deeply grateful to Dr. A and the team at Assuta Ashdod who brought me back to life. Lighting the first candle here, in a place that brings life into the world, is proof that no enemy can extinguish our light."
