Full Breakdown
Freed Hostages Celebrate Hanukkah with Symbolic Candle Lightings
12/16/2025, 1:45:48 AM
Celebrations at the Western Wall
As Israel celebrated the first night of Hanukkah, several freed hostages participated in candle-lighting ceremonies, marking a poignant moment of joy and reflection. Segev Kalfon, who endured 738 days in captivity in Gaza, lit the first candle at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. He expressed gratitude, stating, “To stand here and say thank you is a gift beyond measure. The first candle symbolizes the small spark that can conquer great darkness.” Kalfon dedicated his moment to Ran Gvili, the last hostage whose body remains in Gaza, emphasizing the ongoing hope for his return.
Emily Damari, released in January 2025, shared a celebratory moment with twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, who were also hostages. They lit a menorah together, embodying the spirit of unity and resilience among those who have returned. Additionally, four female soldiers—Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy—who were released in the same January deal, participated in a similar lighting ceremony, reinforcing the communal aspect of the celebrations.
Broader Celebrations Across Israel
The festivities extended beyond Jerusalem, with Matan Angrest, released in October, lighting a large menorah outside the National Library of Israel. He expressed a wish for the light to triumph over darkness, symbolizing hope for the entire nation. Omer Shem Tov, another freed hostage, echoed this sentiment, stating, “God willing, we’ll be much more lit-up, united, and stronger together.” Evyatar David, also released in October, remarked on the significance of transitioning “out of darkness into light” to celebrate with family and the nation.
President Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal, participated in a candle-lighting event alongside several freed hostages, including Keith and Aviva Siegel, Matan Angrest, and others. This gathering underscored the importance of community and shared experiences during the holiday.
International Connections
Rom Braslavski, who was released in October, attended a Hanukkah event at the Jewish Old Age Home in Rome, Italy. There, he met with Italian Auschwitz survivor Sami Modiano, and together they lit a menorah, symbolizing a connection between past and present struggles for survival and remembrance.
Official Statements & Responses
The celebrations were marked by sentiments of hope and unity among the freed hostages. Many expressed their gratitude for the support they received during their captivity and emphasized the importance of solidarity within Israel. The Government Press Office shared videos of these moments, highlighting the resilience of the hostages and their commitment to fostering unity in the face of adversity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To stand here and say thank you is a gift beyond measure. The first candle symbolizes the small spark that can conquer great darkness. A light that’s small, but real,” — Segev Kalfon, Freed Hostage
- “My wish for everyone is that the light triumphs over the darkness, that this menorah we’ve lit will light up the whole State of Israel,” — Matan Angrest, Freed Hostage
- “We went out of darkness into light, to celebrate the holiday with our families, with the nation of Israel.” — Evyatar David, Freed Hostage
- “I chose life, in order to spread light for the sake of the unity of Israel, and our soldiers.” — Eli Sharabi, Freed Hostage
