Posted on 12/21/24
Jerusalem, Israel - Dec. 21, 2024 - Each year the Organization of Victims of Terrorism hosts a special day of celebration for Bar and Bat mitzvah-age children who have lost a parent to terror, with a day ending at Beit Hanasi in Jerusalem, Israel.
The week before Chanukkah, President Isaac Herzog welcomed the 67 children and their families to the Presidential Residence where the group filled the main diplomatic hall. President Herzog spoke first, followed by Labor Minister Yoav Ben Tzur, and Chairman of the Organization of Victims of Terrorism Abie Moses. All encouraged the youngsters to work on finding happiness and success after the darkness they had experienced.
Tours of Beit Hanasi were available before the official program, the reception included colorful donuts.
Rabbi Shai Graucher, Director of Chessed V’Rachamim, and Rabbi Yitzchak Dovid Grossman founder of the Migdal Ohr educational network and lifetime Rav of Migdal HaEmek also attended the special bar/bat mitzvah celebration.
Rav Grossman has provided children with a loving and caring environment from a young age to help them break the cycle of poverty at Migdal Ohr. When founded Migdal Ohr had 18 students, by its second year it had doubled in size. Today Migdal Ohr has over 6,000 boys and girls in 15 high schools, elementary schools, and seven daycare centers.
As a bar mitzvah boy spoke for the group, there were smiles on faces and tears in some eyes in the audience.
With the support of Rabbi Graucher's non-profit, the bar and bat mitzvah families, who had experienced losses from terror were able to have a special day.
