Major General Doron Almog, chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, marked Hanukkah with a call for unity and resilience as the Jewish world faces its greatest crisis since World War II. Almog spoke during the launch of the Global Glow project, a digital Hanukkah initiative connecting Jewish communities worldwide.
"Hanukkah is the greatest historical victory—the spirit of the Maccabees and the miracle of the Jewish people and the miracle of the small jug with little oil that allowed the Jews 2,000 years ago to light the menorah. We at the Jewish Agency would like the Global Glow to digitally connect Jews together all over the world," Almog said.
Largest digital menorah
(Video: Yaron Brener)
Reflecting on the devastating October 7 attacks by Hamas, Almog emphasized the continued toll on Israel: "This Hanukkah we would like to reduce darkness and do more for the only Jewish state and for the Jewish people. At this horrific time, time of war, the biggest crisis of the Jewish people since the Second World War, since the establishment of the State of Israel, we need to remember, to remember what happened on October 7, 2023. We need to remember the 1,200 that were slaughtered, beheaded, kidnapped. We need to remember the hostages, 100 hostages still in captivity. We still have about 60,000 Israelis that were evacuated from northern Israel living in central Israel."
The Jewish Agency has seen a surge in Aliyah since the war began, with 35,000 new Olim arriving, many of them young people joining the IDF. “We see a demonstration of unity, solidarity and love,” Almog said, highlighting overseas families supporting their lone soldier children serving in Israel.
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On a personal note, Almog shared the tragedy that struck his own family. Members of his extended family were murdered or taken hostage during the October 7 attacks. "This is a horrific moment, and the trauma will stay with them—and with all Israelis—for life," he said.
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Major General Doron Almog (center) with Jewish Agency emissaries
(Photo: Jewish Agency)
"Right now, we continue to feel the trauma of this war. But in this traumatic moment, we need to tell ourselves what is the strength of the Jewish people—their stubbornness, dedication, commitment and unconditional love. It is about mutual responsibility for one another, Jews all over the world united for the one and only miracle: the State of Israel. "
He called for unity in the face of internal divisions and polarization, likening Israel to a “third temple” that the current generation must protect.
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The Global Glow initiative, Almog added, is a symbol of hope. "This Hanukkah is a time to light the candles and create a great glow for the Jewish people over the world and tell ourselves of the responsibility we share."