| For most families, Chanukah is a time of joy and celebration, of sugar coated doughnuts, festive gatherings and dancing lights. But for others, Chanukah is just another dark, stressful week shadowed by painful treatments, tense waiting for test results, and family turmoil - or it would be, if not for Ezer Mizion...
This year, as in the past, Ezer Mizion sought to kindle the light of hope for those fighting cancer and enable them, for a flickering moment, to enjoy the rare pleasure of carefree family fun. In addition to Ezer Mizion volunteers' regular rounds in the hospital oncology wards, lighting candles and singing Chanukah songs, a number of special events were held.
Three hundred fathers, mothers and children participated in a Chanukah "Happening" for families struggling with cancer at a huge hall near Petach Tikvah.
The families alternated between colorful, inflated trampolines and amusement park equipment, and a variety of competitions and creative activities, including a beautiful craft project. Twenty enthusiastic volunteers guided them through the various booths. The "Happening" included a delicious meal and an inspirational talk by Rabbi Chananya Chollak, followed by a magician's act that boggled the mind and placed a grin on every face.
A Melaveh Malka was arranged for teenage and young adult boys suffering from cancer. Twenty families participated in the festive occasion, enjoying top name singers and choirs. A group of older teens joined the crowd bringing with them a rousing Chanukah spirit with their lively dancing. |
