The IDF Lights Up Hanukkah for Foster Children in Israel

Raphael Poch : Dec 19, 2014
Breaking Israel News

"The soldiers literally light up the lives of these children. It is something really special to behold."

Bringing light to Israel's foster children who have been through many troubled homes is not always something that is easy to do. (Photo: Foster children visit with IDF soldiers during Hanukkah as part of an annual event by The Summit Institute/Courtesy of The Summit Institute)

The IDF is used to tackling problems that are not easy, and this year, for the second time in a row, the IDF will team up with The Summit Institute to spread some light and joy this Hanukkah to foster children in Israel.

Summit is organizing a group of some 300 foster children from southern and central Israel to light candles on seventh night of Hanukkah at the IDF paratrooper training base.

"It's not the first time we've done this," explained Orit Amiel, Director of Foster Care Programs, to Breaking Israel News. "Last year the children were invited by the Israeli Air Force to have a tour of one of the Air Force combat squadrons. We've found the connection with the army is extremely empowering for children who have gone through so much and how now become a meaningful tradition."

The children who attend these visits are usually in their early teens. "The soldiers literally light up the lives of these children. It is something really special to behold. We'd like to also invite anyone reading this to share some light with our children, just as the IDF has," said Amiel.

The foster families of the children are also invited to share the celebratory event. "For some of the children this will be their first time visiting an army base with us as it is there first time in foster care," Amiel said. "However, for many others it is an event that they look forward to from year to year."

Executive Director of Summit, Yoni Bogot, confirmed Amiel's sentiments. "In light of last years visit with the Air Force, the children have been looking forward to this highlight of the year."

Summit is hoping that the holiday cheer will last as some significant hurdles are awaiting the organization on the horizon. Due to the early dismissal of the Knesset and the dissolution of the government, the social welfare network which the organization and hence the foster children depend upon, have incurred numerous setbacks.

Make a Miracle for a Child in Israel
Israel's social welfare network, which is expecting a significant influx of foster children who will need foster families during the coming year, was also hoping for an influx of funding. In spite of a bill increasing the rights of foster children, which passed its first reading earlier this year, the bill will now be put on hold before it can come to the plenum for a second reading due to the call for early elections.

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