12th December 2023 In a typical year, the city of Tel Aviv-Jaffa lives up to its reputation as the “city that never stops”, with round-the-clock entertainment for children and adults, locals and tourists, parties, donut distribution and more to light up the Hanukkah season. 2023 is not a typical year, as the country is searching for the light and hope that is symbolized by the Hanukka story. In keeping with the Hanukkah spirit of banishing the darkness with light, the city is placing the spotlight on community activities that support the national effort to bring the hostages back to their homes, to raise the morale of the residents and bring together residents and the many evacuee families from the north and the south of the country who are currently living in the city’s hotels. There will be many locations throughout the city with public candle-lighting ceremonies, including with the evacuee families, special Hanukkah performances and events for children, hanging illuminated flags on balconies and even a women’s volleyball competition with locals and evacuees. All the Hanukkah events will be dedicated to the residents, the security forces and the evacuated families staying in Tel Aviv. The main Hanukkah candle lightings will take place in Rabin Square (at 18:00) and Habima Square (17:00) every night of the festival on giant candelabra, with the participation of the public. Every year in Jaffa, Hanukkah and Christmas, which often occur at the same time, are celebrated under the banner: “Lighting Up Jaffa”. Three large candelabra become a focal point during the holiday - a large wooden menorah at the entrance to the city from the boardwalk, another menorah in the Clock Square and an illuminated menorah in the Baal Shem Tov square. Huge, colourful illuminated spinning tops light up Jerusalem Boulevard near the Daniel Centre – spinning tops are a favoured toy during the Hanukkah holiday. All of this, in addition to many other candle lightings for residents and evacuee families, and a variety of cultural and community activities open to the public. At the Clock Square in Jaffa, visitors can enjoy a spectacular installation of a huge, interactive wooden menorah, painted yellow in a gesture of solidarity with the kidnapped and their families. "Bring Them Home NOW" posters hang from the installation to further emphasize the message of the hour. Visitors can walk through the installation, among the branches of the candelabra and discover interactive surprises such as a walkie-talkie, a push-button that changes the colours of the menorah and even binoculars to view the horizon. |
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