Israelis Reunited for Detroit's Hanukkah Celebration After Hostage Crisis in Gaza
A heartwarming reunion is set to take place in downtown Detroit as one of Michigan's largest Hanukkah celebrations, Menorah in the D, welcomes back an Israeli family who was torn apart by a Hamas hostage crisis.
Last month, two Israeli hostages, Ohad and Raz Ben Ami, were finally released after months of captivity, bringing closure to their ordeal that began on October 7th. Ella Ben Ami, their daughter, traveled from Israel in 2023 just weeks after her parents' kidnapping, but was unable to attend the reunion this year due to the time difference.
The couple's 491-day captivity has left an indelible mark on Detroit's community, as Menorah in the D co-founder Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov poignantly noted, "Each year, Menorah in the D reminds us that even a small light can dispel great darkness." This year's celebration promises to be a testament to the strength and unity of Detroit's diverse community.
For decades, Menorah in the D has been a beacon of Jewish heritage in Detroit, drawing thousands of attendees who come together to celebrate Jewish religious freedom. The event features the lighting of a 26-foot-tall menorah, as well as live music and other cultural activities that bring people from all walks of life together.
This year's celebration will take place on December 14th at Cadillac Square, with the menorah lighting ceremony scheduled to begin at sundown. What was meant to be an ordinary evening has become a momentous occasion, one that marks the return of hope and reunification for the Israeli family. As they gather in Detroit, thousands more will join them in spirit, united by their desire to celebrate freedom and resilience.
The event is free and open to the public, making it accessible to everyone who wishes to participate in this powerful display of community solidarity. The Menorah in the D website provides more information on how to attend and get involved.
A heartwarming reunion is set to take place in downtown Detroit as one of Michigan's largest Hanukkah celebrations, Menorah in the D, welcomes back an Israeli family who was torn apart by a Hamas hostage crisis.
Last month, two Israeli hostages, Ohad and Raz Ben Ami, were finally released after months of captivity, bringing closure to their ordeal that began on October 7th. Ella Ben Ami, their daughter, traveled from Israel in 2023 just weeks after her parents' kidnapping, but was unable to attend the reunion this year due to the time difference.
The couple's 491-day captivity has left an indelible mark on Detroit's community, as Menorah in the D co-founder Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov poignantly noted, "Each year, Menorah in the D reminds us that even a small light can dispel great darkness." This year's celebration promises to be a testament to the strength and unity of Detroit's diverse community.
For decades, Menorah in the D has been a beacon of Jewish heritage in Detroit, drawing thousands of attendees who come together to celebrate Jewish religious freedom. The event features the lighting of a 26-foot-tall menorah, as well as live music and other cultural activities that bring people from all walks of life together.
This year's celebration will take place on December 14th at Cadillac Square, with the menorah lighting ceremony scheduled to begin at sundown. What was meant to be an ordinary evening has become a momentous occasion, one that marks the return of hope and reunification for the Israeli family. As they gather in Detroit, thousands more will join them in spirit, united by their desire to celebrate freedom and resilience.
The event is free and open to the public, making it accessible to everyone who wishes to participate in this powerful display of community solidarity. The Menorah in the D website provides more information on how to attend and get involved.
I'm really happy for the Israeli family being reunited but can't we just have a normal celebration without all the drama? I mean, I know it's Hanukkah and all that but 491 days of captivity is way too long... my attention span would've been tested just watching their story unfold 
. I guess what bothers me is how we're always drawn to tragic stories in the news. Can't we focus on something more uplifting for once? Like a new innovation or a cool tech feature on our favorite social media platform? 
. I bet she was counting down the days till it would happen again, but with a 12-hour time difference, I can imagine it must've felt like an eternity 
. And can you believe that couple was held captive for 491 days?! That's mental 
. I'm so glad they're finally back together as a family, even if it took this long 
. It'll be amazing to see the menorah lighting ceremony on Dec 14th - makes me want to attend even though I won't be there in person 
i feel bad for those hostages they been through so much its amazing that their family is getting back together again after all that time its a great reminder that even in hard times theres always hope 
i'm literally so hyped for the reunification of ohad & raz ben ami at menorah in the d!! it's like, their story is EVERYTHING!!! 
i've been following their journey and i can only imagine how hard it must be for them to finally be together again after those 491 days apart 
it's not just about one family, it's about the community coming together in solidarity 
and celebrating freedom & resilience 
what an amazing example of how love & kindness can conquer even the darkest of times 
(okay maybe not that literally but u get the idea lol) to support this beautiful event and welcome back ohad & raz with open arms 
can't wait for dec 14th!! 
they're finally free & getting reunited in detroit for hanukkah which is already a super powerful celebration of freedom but now it's even more meaningful considering what they went through 
️ cant wait to see it all go down on dec 14th 
. I mean, those Israeli hostages were stuck for 491 days, can you even imagine? It's like, time just stands still when someone's suffering like that 
- his quote about that small light dispelling great darkness? Spot on 
.