By Nativia Bühler

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” -Isaiah 9:2

Light That Cannot Be Dimmed

This month, families gather by their windows, outside restaurants and in busy marketplaces to light the Hanukkah candles—small or large, humble or bright. They say the blessings and watch the flames flicker in the evening air. Despite what has happened in recent days in Australia, here no hatred, no act of antisemitism can dim this celebration of faith and hope.

Christmas does not always arrive with big gestures. Sometimes it comes in a food box carried through traffic, a gift placed into a child’s hands or a cup of tea shared while listening to someone’s story. This Christmas in Nazareth and Haifa, the ICEJ saw light breaking through in deeply human and hope-filled ways.

Through this outreach, ICEJ supported 115 families in Haifa and Nazareth, ensuring that homes with empty cupboards could still feel the warmth of the holidays. The response reached even further, as Hands-on Tour participants packed 1,000 Christmas packages for children in Nazareth.

When Help Arrives as Presence

Working closely with local pastors, Pastor Afif and Mimi, the ICEJ Aid team visited families personally, listened to their stories and shared gifts for the holiday. These visits revealed not statistics, but faces—lives marked by hardship, resilience and quiet dignity.

One woman, widowed and living on the margins of her community, met the team outside her home. Since her husband passed away two years ago, her family has struggled deeply. Her adult son cannot work, and her daughter fell into depression after losing a baby. Sitting with Jannie Tolhoek over a cup of tea, she smiled through tears and could not let go of Jannie’s hand. The food support mattered, she said—but being seen and heard mattered even more. Knowing she could place food on the table during the holidays brought her profound relief.

Another visit was with Marlene, a widow whose health challenges have been immense—18 operations, with another still ahead—yet whose laughter fills a room. She raises two teenage children and runs a tiny home-based manicure business to stay afloat. Despite her own struggles, she continually serves others, visiting the sick and singing in hospital choirs. She rarely asks for help, but over tea she told Jannie simply, “You feel like my sister.”

A third visit was with Mary and Kamal, originally from Bethlehem and Egypt, now long-time residents of Nazareth. This was ICEJ’s third visit, and the relationship had grown deeply personal. Despite ongoing health and financial challenges, they are known for generosity and hospitality. This Christmas is especially joyful as they welcome a new grandson. Thanks to the support received, their family can gather, prepare a festive meal and celebrate together. They asked for prayers and thanked ICEJ for standing with them.

“These visits are more than a holiday gift,” Jannie reflected. “They are a message that people are seen, remembered and loved.”

More Than a Gift, a Message of Hope

Alongside these home visits, ICEJ volunteers from around the world partnered with Pastor Saleem in Nazareth to pack 1,000 Christmas packages for local children. Working with joy and laughter, each package was prepared with care—carrying not only treats, but a message of hope.

At the ICEJ Haifa Home, that same spirit was felt. The local team prepared small Hanukkah gifts for residents and Israeli staff, each accompanied by a card featuring artwork created by the residents themselves and a message about light overcoming darkness. Several residents were deeply moved, sensing the care behind the gesture. The team also remembered the 24/7 caregivers—many from Christian backgrounds and far from their families—with a small Christmas gift, offering encouragement during a season when simple kindness carries deep meaning.

Holidays are central in Jewish society, and every family deserves to celebrate with dignity and hope. Thanks to the faithfulness of ICEJ supporters around the world, this Christmas has been made possible.

As Hanukkah candles continue to glow across the nation, the same truth holds: the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Moments like these are only possible because people choose to stand with families in need—not only with gifts, but with compassion and presence. Your support enables ICEJ Aid to continue reaching vulnerable families across Israel with practical help, dignity and hope—during the holidays and throughout the year.

Please consider making a gift today to help light the way for more families:

www.help.icej.org/future-hope

Together, we can ensure that no one is forgotten—and that the light continues to shine.