PHOTOS: A Chanukah Miracle

~ Also in this issue ~

~ Also by TheTower.org Staff ~

From the Blog

During dark times, children’s lives were brightened by generous gifts from around the world.

After November’s devastating fires, more than 75,000 Israelis had to be evacuated from their homes.

In Haifa alone, 77 apartment buildings were completely destroyed, leaving 1,600 people homeless. Thousands more saw their valuables and other precious keepsakes damaged. This was doubly devastating for children, many of whom lost favorite toys, blankets, and other security items.

In response, The Israel Project (which publishes The Tower) embarked on a toy drive, raising over $3,500 to buy new toys for over 200 children displaced in the fires. “Thanks to generous donors from all over the world, we were able to return, even if slightly, the smiles to the faces of the children who were hit in the last wave of fires,” said Lior Weintraub, TIP’s vice president. “I hope we have managed to inject a little light this Chanukah.”

TIP staff distributed many of the toys themselves. “It makes [the children] feel that they are not alone and that there are good people around the world who care about what they are going through,” employee Adam Haliva said.

Click on arrows to navigate. For best results, click on each photo individually to see its full detail and proportions.

Banner Photo: The Israel Project