A Global Flame of Hope

In honor of Hanukkah, a celebration of light triumphing over darkness and hope over despair, the MWU Women's Forum initiated a global activity to spread messages of unity and inspiration. For 17 days, chairwomen across 12 countries, including USA, Australia, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Colombia, Mexico, Hungary, Argentina, New Zealand, India, and Israel, lit a virtual candle, reminding us of the enduring strength of the human spirit.

A Hanukkah Message from MWU Women's Forum Israel:

"Eight days of Hanukkah and an additional 9 days during which we spread the light of the Women’s Forum from place to place, city to city, across the globe: from Israel to Australia, Europe, the United States, South America, and back to Israel. We illuminated the hearts of our friends with messages of strength, hope, unity, and love.

Hanukkah, the festival of the Maccabees, symbolizes heroism and the triumph of spirit—the victory of light over darkness.

Even in this challenging time, amidst war, with hostages in the tunnels of Gaza, casualties and wounded, evacuees from the north and south, and signs of conflict everywhere, the holiday of Hanukkah invites us to focus on the bright side of life.

We must believe in even the smallest light, not give up hope, and understand that the impossible can become possible because even the tiniest candle can dispel even the deepest darkness.

The menorah we light symbolizes the flame burning within all our communities worldwide, generation after generation. A flame that grows stronger each day. The shamash candle, which passes the light from one candle to another, reminds us of the values of giving and unity—just as we pass the light from hand to hand.

These are precisely the values on which our Women’s Forum is founded. It has expanded to 25 cities worldwide in just one year, tirelessly working to dispel darkness and amplify light within our global community.

Today, the eighth candle of Hanukkah, the entire Hanukkiah, is illuminated. It symbolizes the great light emanating from our Women’s Forum, connecting women from all corners of the world.

From here, in Israel, from Kfar Maccabiah—the headquarters of Maccabi World Union—we send you our warmest wishes for a happy Hanukkah.

May we continue to spread our light together for the Jewish people and the world's benefit. Happy Hanukkah!"

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank each of you who participated in this meaningful initiative. Each of us may be a small light, but together, we shine brightly!

Watch the full video here: