Time to Take a Breath
Challenges and obstacles to be overcome have been woven through the history of the Jewish people for millennia. They have faced exile, pogroms, wars and lately terrorists whose stated goal is their annihilation. Through it all, they have remained steadfast, resilient and hopeful with an eye on the future.
Anchored throughout the yearly calendar in Israel are special holidays that serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness to His people. Hanukkah is the time when the Jewish people remember an ancient victory over an enemy who sought to remove all traces of their faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The eight-day celebration of Hanukkah is a joyous time. Lights shine everywhere, beginning with two candles on the first night and culminating in a full nine on the eighth night. These candles are lit in remembrance of the Jewish victory over their Greek conquerors who banned the observation of Shabbat (Sabbath), the study of Torah (Gen.–Deut.) and circumcision. In addition, the Greek ruler, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, had defiled the Second Temple by slaughtering pigs on the altar.
Beginning in 167 BC, Judas Maccabeus led a rebellion that consisted of a series of surprise attacks against much larger Greek forces, eventually capturing the city of Jerusalem in 164 BC. The desecrated Temple was cleansed and rededicated after a period of eight days, an event which became known and celebrated as the Feast of Dedication, or Hanukkah.
How Is This Year Different?
This year the celebration and the lights of Hanukkah are perhaps more significant than ever before. The nation has much to be grateful for. For the first time since the summer of 2014, there are no hostages left in Gaza. The body of the last remaining hostage, Israeli police officer Ran Gvili who fell on October 7 while fighting courageously near the site of the Nova music festival, was located by IDF troops on January 26, 2026. He was returned to Israel for burial as the nation breathed a collective sigh of relief.
For the most part, 2026 has been quiet—at least on the surface. Israel’s war with Iran which began on February 28, ended on April 8 with a US-generated ceasefire. Although that ceasefire did not hold and hostilities resumed in mid-July, Iran launched missiles against US bases in neighboring countries rather than attacking Israel. Furthermore, Hamas has not attempted to launch any missiles at Israeli communities since January 7, 2026 when a rocket fired from Gaza City actually fell short, landing in Hamas-controlled territory. So, after fighting a multi-front war which lasted longer than any of the previous wars Israel has had to fight for its survival, there has been a bit of room to breathe during a large portion of 2026.
Under the Surface
While things appear normal on the surface, the underlying impact of the Hamas massacre of October 7 and the war that followed continues to affect Israelis. The trauma caused by the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust, coupled with the fact that it happened on Israeli soil, has not diminished but lingers under the surface of the nation’s collective memory. Grieving families, wounded soldiers, an economy burdened with war debt and increasing isolation among the nations of the world are just some of the challenges Israelis are facing.
More than 1,000 IDF soldiers and police officers have fallen since October 7, including six colonels, the highest number of senior officers to die in combat during recent years. The number of wounded has stretched Israel’s hospitals, medical personnel and rehab facilities to the limit. In addition, tens of thousands of Israelis, soldiers and civilians alike, suffer from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). And we must not forget the hostages, whose safe return from Gaza does not mean the ordeal is over for them or their families, who are walking through the healing process with them.
Although the shekel has been strong against the dollar this year, Israel’s economy has taken a heavy hit. In a recent Media Line article, Gabriel Colodro writes, “The [incoming] government will face roughly NIS 350 billion (around US $114 billion) in estimated war-related fiscal costs and a public-debt ratio approaching 70% of gross domestic product.”
Finally, defamation and outright lies on social media have reached an all-time high. It is shocking to read the anti-Israel posts, many with ludicrous accusations of heinous crimes for which there is no proof—nor will there ever be. After conducting thorough research, Israel is increasingly denied the opportunity to present concrete evidence that would expose the lies. Threats of economic sanctions from European countries, Israel’s largest trading partners, as well as the rapidly growing antisemitism around the globe contribute to a sense of isolation in Israel.
A Time to Rebuild
Up until now, the nation’s focus has been on survival. Now comes the challenge of rebuilding. In some ways, it is reminiscent of the days when Nehemiah led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. At that time, peace was also fleeting and tentative, which resulted in builders who “…with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon” (Neh. 4:17). The interlude of quiet does not mean Israelis can become complacent. Rather, they must continue to maintain an alertness for whatever threat may come next.
Light Overcomes Darkness
So, this year, as Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 4 and families gather to light the candles, there is indeed much to be grateful for. Children spin the dreidel (four-sided spinning top) for chocolate coins, bakeries vie to see who can create the most elaborate, tastiest sufganiyot (special Hanukkah doughnuts) and everyone enjoys the time of light. This season, these eight days of Hanukkah, comes as a respite from the underlying cares of life in a nation which has undergone the trauma of war during the past three years. And light overcomes the darkness as the candles in the window speak of the faithfulness of God to keep His word, no matter what.
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