Thousands of worshippers gathered last night (Wednesday) at the traditional Tomb of Joshua Bin Nun in the village of Kifl Haris, in Samaria, to light candles and celebrate the eighth night of Hanukkah with singing and dancing. The entry to the site is routinely organized by the Samaria Regional Council, with coordination and approval from the IDF.
A Heartfelt Dedication for the Hostages
David Ben Zion, Deputy Head of the Samaria Regional Council, attended the event and dedicated the prayers to the release of the hostages: “One hundred hostages are suffering in the tunnels of Hamas’ Nazi operatives in Gaza. These are one hundred brothers and sisters that we must bring home now,” said Ben Zion.
He also emphasized the importance of prayers for the safety of IDF soldiers, likening them to the Maccabees: “We came to pray at the resting place of the first leader who brought Israel into the Land of Israel, Joshua Bin Nun, for the return of our hundred hostages and for today’s Maccabees—our brave IDF soldiers—who will defeat the enemy and return safely.”
“Like the Maccabees, the People of Israel Will Prevail”
Yossi Dagan, Head of the Samaria Regional Council, expressed his gratitude to the IDF soldiers and volunteers protecting holy sites: “During Hanukkah, the Maccabees fought for the freedom of the Jewish people and the sanctity of the Temple. Today, we too are engaged in a struggle for the survival of the Jewish people in our land and for our freedom.”
Dagan highlighted the connection between Joshua Bin Nun, who led the Israelites in conquering the land, and the current battle Israel faces. “We pray here for the swift return of the hostages, for the victory of IDF soldiers over our enemies, and for the speedy and complete recovery of the wounded. Just as the Maccabees triumphed then, so too will the people of Israel prevail today,” he concluded.
