Hannukah Candles at St. Savior

As every year, the Jerusalem Community participated together with the sister community from the synagogue of Kehilat Tziyon. Sheikh Ibtisam, a good friend from the Muslim world, participated in the ceremony. This year's theme was: "Vigilance - to stand guard."

During the evening there were short speeches and a lot of music and singing, in an atmosphere of great friendship and brotherhood.

Fr. Benny, one of the organizers of the Interreligious Beit Midrash in Jerusalem, said:

"When I read the title of this year's theme, I thought: It's not difficult! To stand guard against the evil in the world? I've been experienced and tamed since I came into the world. I have the instincts to immediately see what's wrong in any situation. It doesn't challenge me at all. I thought what the real challenge is for me... to stand guard at the gates of my heart and soul and not let the darkness seep in, not allow myself to absorb the darkness, embrace it and choose it as my lifestyle.

My world went crazy. The society is very sick, and I have not yet understood what exactly the disease is, but I see that it is a very contagious and fast-forwarding disease. The fear that takes over under the surface dictates all kinds of cruel behaviors that turn us into enemies with each other. Every day. In the little things of everyday life.

I am very hurt by the violence and the lack of kindness in our society, but I don't focus enough on how much I am absorbing the patterns of behavior in order to "survive" or at least not to be a looser...

This week I saw a soldier being rude and speaking disrespectfully to the inspector on the bus because he didn't want to show him the certificate...

I saw an 11-12-year-old boy who ordered a taxi and started to beat the driver and showered him with curses. A phone almost fell from my hands as I saw it. I heard boys and girls talking to each other...

I want to make a decision to maintain the moral behavior standards and humane treatment for every person. The politeness and niceness revolution does not cost money. Maybe the change will only start from below."