8th Candle Shines Bright

Shiri Bibas' Sister Lights Hanukkah Candles in Rafah | WATCH

The symbolic ceremony, held in Rafah, represents above all the triumph of light over darkness, the light of Hanukkah of the Jewish people shining even inside Gaza, amid the ruins of the massacre, and reminding us all of the reason we fight.

Jfeed Staff

DEC 22, 2025 11:22

2 min read

Shiri Bibas' Sister Lights Hanukkah Candles in Rafah | WATCH

In a deeply moving and powerful moment, the eighth candle of Hanukkah was lit last night (Sunday) in the Gaza Strip, on the charred family menorah of the Bibas family from Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the few items that survived the horrific massacre of October 7.

The candle was kindled by Staff Sergeant (Res.) Dana Silverman Sitton Bibas, sister of Shiri Bibas z"l, who was murdered along with her young sons Ariel and Kfir hy"d, together with Golani Brigade Commander Col. Adi Ganon and additional commanders and fighters from the 143rd Division operating in Gaza.

Shiri Bibas lights Hanukkah candles in Rafah (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

"We are standing now before this burned menorah," Dana said through tears. "A menorah that is one of the only items that survived the fire in my parents' home. We stand and light it together on Gaza soil. I look at the glow of these candles and imagine the wind carrying this light and spreading it throughout the entire Strip, so that all our enemies will see it and know: this light cannot be extinguished!"

Col. Adi Ganon, commander of the Golani Brigade, shared: "During one of the briefings I held before entering the mission, I climbed into a tank and saw in its sights the famous photo of Shiri Bibas embracing her children. The fighters told me that in the hardest moments, this is what reminds them why they are here. I say this with great emotion and deep responsibility, if there is one thing we all must remember, it is that image of Shiri enveloping her children. Being together, embracing one another, that is our strength."

Ready for more?

Join our newsletter to receive updates on new articles and exclusive content.

We respect your privacy and will never share your information.