Oct 7th Survivors Light Menorah in Southwest Florida

Rabbi Yitzchok and Meir Simcha Minkowicz of Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida hosted a remarkable Chanukah celebration at the picturesque Castle Golf in Fort Myers, followed by the Menorah being lit by Issac Ashurav and his family, survivors of the October 7th terror attacks in Ofakim, Israel.

The Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida, under the visionary leadership of Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz and Rabbi Meir Simcha Minkowicz, hosted a remarkable Chanukah celebration at the picturesque Castle Golf in Fort Myers. The event radiated the timeless message of Chanukah: להאיר את החושך—to illuminate the darkness. In a world shadowed by challenges, this message carried a poignant call to action: to shine light into even the darkest places, including the tunnels of Gaza, by advocating for the release of hostages and praying for the ultimate revelation of G-d’s light with the coming of Moshiach.

What began as a gloomy, rain-soaked morning, with thunderstorms predicted to last all day, turned into a sunlit celebration, defying all expectations. Through faith and heartfelt prayers, the clouds parted, and hundreds of attendees gathered to partake in an event that exceeded all imagination.

Set against the lush backdrop of Castle Golf’s family-friendly course, the event featured an array of delights that brought joy to all ages. Guests savored gourmet doughnuts crafted by a premier Miami caterer, warmed themselves with steaming hot lakes, and enjoyed an assortment of refreshing beverages. Lively music filled the air, and the spirit of friendship and unity set the tone for an unforgettable event. 

The highlight of the event was the lighting of the Grand Menorah, a powerful symbol of hope and resilience. This year’s honor was bestowed upon Issac Ashurav and his family, survivors of the October 7th terror attacks in Ofakim, Israel. With courage etched into his very being, Issac recounted the harrowing moments when RPGs struck his home, narrowly escaping the line of fire while witnessing the tragic loss of friends and neighbors. His presence at the event was a living testament to the triumph of light over darkness.

Joining him in kindling the Menorah were esteemed community leaders, including Dr. James Rubenstein and his son Eric, visiting from Houston, Texas, as well as Dr. Jonathan Daitch, both prominent local physicians and pillars of the Jewish community. Together, their act of lighting the Menorah symbolized the collective strength and unity of the Jewish people.

The event was further elevated by the presence of two dedicated young Shluchim, Yosef Vaisfiche and Chonon Fischer, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every detail was perfect. They also joined Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz in assisting attendees with the mitzvah of Tefillin, spreading the light of Torah and mitzvot to all who were present.

The Castle Golf Chanukah event was more than just a celebration—it was a testament to the power of faith, unity, and resilience. It brought together survivors, leaders, and families in a shared commitment to brighten the world, one flame at a time. As the Menorah’s lights pierced the sky, they carried with them a message of hope and a prayer for redemption, inspiring all to continue spreading light in their own lives and communities.

May the light of Chanukah continue to guide us toward a brighter future filled with peace, unity, and the ultimate revelation of Moshiach.

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