United with Israel has been organizing Chanukah parties on IDF bases since 2011, and this year’s celebration was undoubtedly among the best ever.
On the magical evening of December 11, 2023, the fifth night of Chanukah, a heartwarming and meaningful celebration unfolded on the grounds of the Pikud Mercaz military base in northern Jerusalem.
Sponsored by United with Israel (UWI), this event was created to express profound appreciation for the courageous Israeli soldiers who risk their lives daily to protect not only their homeland but Jews worldwide.
It was a night filled with unity, gratitude, and the joyous spirit of Chanukah.
自2011年以来，United with Israel一直在以色列国防军基地组织光明节派对，今年的庆祝活动无疑是有史以来最好的。

2023年12月11日，光明节的第五个晚上，在耶路撒冷北部的Pikud Mercaz军事基地举行了一场温馨而有意义的庆祝活动。
该活动由以色列联合会赞助，旨在表达对勇敢的以色列士兵的深切感谢，他们每天冒着生命危险不仅保护自己的家园，而且保护全世界的犹太人。
这是一个充满团结、感激和光明节欢乐精神的夜晚。

Two busloads of visitors, approximately 120 people, mainly Americans who emigrated to Israel, arrived at the base to join hundreds of Israeli soldiers in a display of solidarity and appreciation.
This year’s Chanukah celebration held special significance as Israel is in the middle of its war with Hamas, following the October 7th invasion and massacre, killing over 1200 innocent Israelis and sending 240 into captivity. Over 115 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the IDF entered Gaza several weeks ago.
两车游客，约120人，主要是移民到以色列的美国人，抵达基地，与数百名以色列士兵一起表示声援和赞赏。
今年的光明节庆祝活动具有特殊意义，因为在10月7日的入侵和屠杀之后，以色列正处于与哈马斯的战争之中，造成1200多名无辜以色列人死亡，240人被囚禁。自以色列国防军几周前进入加沙以来，已有115多名以色列士兵丧生。
Against this backdrop, the Chanukah event took on added meaning as a message of strong support for IDF soldiers and a testament to the resilience of the citizens of Israel.
The centerpiece of the evening was the lighting of a unique menorah created from actual Hamas rockets that landed in Israel, symbolizing the ability of the Jewish people to bounce back and grow from adversity, and transform ‘swords into plowshares.”
This poignant gesture resonated deeply with those present, reminding them of the challenges Israel faces and the strength required to overcome them.
在这种背景下，光明节活动更有意义，是对以色列国防军士兵的大力支持，也是以色列公民复原力的证明。
当晚的中心活动是点亮一个独特的烛台，这个烛台是由落在以色列的哈马斯火箭制成的，象征着犹太人民从逆境中反弹和成长的能力，并将“剑变成犁头”
这一令人心酸的姿态引起了在场人员的深刻共鸣，提醒他们以色列面临的挑战以及克服这些挑战所需的力量。
The evening featured inspiring speeches by the base commander, who spoke about the soldiers’ dedication and sacrifices, and by Michael Gerbitz, the founder of UWI.
Gerbitz expressed his gratitude to the soldiers and emphasized the importance of supporting those who protect Israel.
He noted how both miracles of Chanukah – the military victory over the Greeks and the oil burning for 8 days – came together this evening as Israel’s modern day Maccabees light the menorah on a military base in the midst of a war.
The celebration also included a lavish barbecue, offering a delightful spread of various meats, salads, and the beloved sufganiyot (jelly donuts) that are a Chanukah staple.
The tantalizing aroma of grilled delicacies wafted through the air, setting the stage for a festive evening.
A DJ kept the energy high throughout the night, and an amazing show featuring a magician who doubled as a mentalist dazzled the crowd with mind-bending tricks.
当晚，基地指挥官和UWI创始人Michael Gerbitz发表了鼓舞人心的演讲，他谈到了士兵们的奉献精神和牺牲。
Gerbitz对士兵们表示感谢，并强调支持那些保护以色列的人的重要性。

他指出，当以色列现代马卡比人在战争中点燃军事基地的烛台时，光明节的奇迹——对希腊人的军事胜利和持续8天的石油燃烧——是如何结合在一起的。
庆祝活动还包括丰盛的烧烤，提供各种肉类、沙拉和深受喜爱的sufganiyot（果冻甜甜圈），这是光明节的主食。
诱人的烤美食香气在空气中飘荡，为一个节日的夜晚奠定了基础。

一位DJ整晚都保持着高昂的能量，一场以魔术师为主角的精彩表演以令人费解的技巧让观众眼花缭乱。