President Rivlin lights candles with ultra-Orthodox soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces to mark the start of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
“I look at you and see modern-day Hasmoneans – soldiers, warriors, righteous men who learn Torah. This is really a Hanukkah miracle,” Rivlin tells the soldiers, according to his office.
The Hasmoneans were an ancient priestly dynasty that overthrew Selucid rule in Judea and reestablished a Jewish kingdom.
Rivlin hails the soldiers for helping defend Israel and says they are forging a “new path.”
“You are an inspiration and prove to us all that we can find the balance between protecting the country and protecting our what is most important to us… We were all brothers in arms,” he says.
According to a statement from Rivlin’s office, there are 7,400 ultra-Orthodox soldiers and officers currently serving in the IDF.
President Reuven Rivlin lights candles for the first night of Hanukkah with ultra-Orthodox soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces on December 2, 2018. (Mark Neiman/GPO)
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Sunday, December 2, 2018
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