Segev Kalfon Lights First Chanukah Candle in Emotional Western Wall Ceremony

The first night of Chanukah at the Western Wall in Jerusalem was unlike any other. As the ancient stones glowed in the candlelight, former hostage Segev Kalfon stood before the nation and lit the first candle a gesture of hope, memory, and unwavering faith.

Kalfon, recently returned from captivity, gave voice to what many were feeling in their hearts. “To stand here and give thanks is a gift beyond measure,” he said, his words resonating across the Western Wall Plaza. “The first candle symbolizes that small spark that defeats great darkness. A small and true light.”

His presence was a powerful reminder that the Jewish spirit cannot be broken. While celebrating his return, Kalfon made it clear that the night was not about personal triumph but collective commitment. “I am standing here for those who are still there, for Ran Gvili. For him, we will make sure this light does not go out. This light is the thread that pulls him back home.”

Kalfon shared that he felt the prayers of the Jewish people during his time in captivity. “Even from within the darkness, I felt the light,” he said. “Over the past two years, you carried prayers here at the Western Wall for me and for all the hostages.”

As the candle’s flame grew, so did the message: the struggle continues, but so does the light. “Today, on a holiday of praise and gratitude, I am closing a circle, but my heart is with Ran Gvili, who is still there,” Kalfon said. “Chanukah reminds us that light does not win in a single day, but it insists, it grows, and in the end, it overcomes the darkness.”

The ceremony also honored the victims of the recent terror attack in Australia. Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi David Yosef, offered prayers for the wounded and the fallen. Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, lit a memorial candle in their memory.

As the public gathered, joining in prayer and song, the message was unmistakable: the light of Israel shines on. Despite the trials, despite the tragedies, the Jewish people continue to gather, to remember, and to illuminate even the darkest nights.

From Jerusalem to every corner of the world, this Chanukah light is a call to unity, strength, and unwavering faith in the future. Share this powerful moment and subscribe to our newsletter to stay connected to stories that celebrate the heart and soul of Israel.