December 4, 2025

On December 4, 2025, a group of Holocaust survivors from Netanya, led by Rita Lieberman, visited the Shalom House at the HHC headquarters in Caesarea. The new day opened their hearts to renewed hope — and to a special guest invited to join the gathering. Andrzej and Bożena Gasiorowski warmly welcomed Yoni Tokayer and the cherished group of visitors.

After Bożena’s introduction, Yoni greeted everyone with a warm smile and an uplifting welcome song. Following a delicious lunch, Yoni continued by sharing the biblical story of the first repatriate to the Land of Israel — Jacob, who wrestled with an angel of God and received from Him a new name: Israel — a message drawn from this week’s Parashat HaShavua.

Yoni then performed a deeply personal song that he and his wife, Nina, wrote after October 7. The song tells the story of how he left for the army, briefly meeting his family on their way to the synagogue, kissing them, and going off to fight for them — without saying out loud that it was war.

The meeting concluded with songs and stories of miracles on the eve of Hanukkah. Yoni shared a touching story of a soldier he met while serving in the reserves, who was reunited with his wife and newborn baby. He ended with a beloved song celebrating another great miracle: the Jewish people’s return to Jerusalem.

The gathering was filled with warmth, music, and heartfelt connection. In the quiet light of Hanukkah, everyone was reminded that hope and miracles are still alive.