Thank You For Supporting the Hanukkah Toy Drive

It is hard to believe that we are now in the third month of the war on Gaza and thousands of Israeli families are still unable to return to their homes in the towns around Gaza and on the Lebanese border.

Thanks to the incredible support of so many people worldwide, including many readers of this blog,  I raised over 25,000 shekels for Hanukkah toys,  blankets, and warm clothes for babies in Jerusalem.

Hanukkah Gifts for Displaced Families

Over 200 toys for babies and toddlers were delivered in huge cardboard boxes which were then wrapped and labeled by age group, ready to be given out on Hanukkah.

Chabad of Talbiya Hanukkah Party

The majority of the gifts were given out at a Hanukkah Party organized by Chabad of Talbiya for evacuated families and special needs children from Friendship Circle Hanukkah camp. Activities included musical entertainment, bouncy castles, popcorn, candyfloss, and a BBQ.

Find out more about the work being done by Chabad of Talbiya for displaced families.

Blankets for Babies

The rest of the money was used to buy winter blankets for babies. Many of the evacuated families are not used to winter in Jerusalem, so it was a pleasure to give out soft-knitted fleece-lined blankets to babies and toddlers from the North and South of Israel. If you would like to buy a blanket for a baby, the gift list is still open. It is also a great way to support two small Israeli businesses owned by olim, Bina & Bino who make these beautiful blankets, and La’Bayit Gifts who manage the gift registry.

If you are looking for other ways to support projects in Israel, please take a look at Support for Israel – Operation Swords of Iron.