On the first night of Chanukah, a group of yeshiva students, organized by Rabbi Shalom Hertzel, drove up to a remote IDF post on the Golan Heights border. It was a long windy drive, far from any towns or villages, and up into the cold mountains, until they reached the lone post with no electricity or running water.

They boys hopped out of the car, carrying trays of donuts, a menorah, and a boom box. A group of soldiers quickly gathered around, smiles big. Together, they recited the blessings, and lit the menorah. And then the music started—the young yeshiva boys grabbed the soldiers’ hands, and full of energy, they danced and sang songs of joy and hope.

As the boys gathered back onto the minibus, preparing to return to yeshiva, a sergeant climbed on, and spoke.

“I caught a moment to tell you, I’m the commander of the company here. Thank you guys—most of the soldiers won’t be home for the whole holiday. I remember when I was younger (in the army), how Chanukah was. It’s so good, when you’re not home, to be able to light candles with all your friends. You came and strengthened us and gave a better atmosphere. Thank you very much.”

The commander made a point to walk through the bus and thank each boy personally. He explained how difficult it is to be so far and feel so alone on Chanukah. He shared his memory of yeshivah students coming to lift his unit’s spirits when he was a young soldier.

Now he’s a commander of a unit during an intense war, and stands with his men in the freezing cold, stiff and on guard at every moment. The menorah, donuts, and energetic dancing was a ray of light.

“You lifted our spirits, thank you!”

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