Chanukah week began with our MIRACLES, Risin’ On The Horizon balloon launch in Jerusalem’s Gilo neighborhood where youngsters have been subjected to sniper and mortar fire throughout this past year of violence. While the area’s skies have been the scene of bullets and bombs, KIDS FOR KIDS had an altogether different mission. Hundreds of helium balloons with personal prayers and wishes were launched as Chanuka began.

The evening began with the lighting of the first Chanukah candle by Mr. Yitzack Ben Yishai, the father of Shoshie, 16, who was murdered the  month before during the terrorist attack on bus #25 in French Hill. Mr. Ben Yishai gave a word of Torah in memory of Shoshie.

A spirited Chanukah Bingo game was created by Hodeyah Cohen, K4K Bat Sherut (National Service Girl). The Asher, Yehoshuah, Benji Band who’s popularity stems from their Havdalah performances on downtown Jerusalem's medrahov each week. Fortune and a miracle of their own saved them the previous Motzei Shabbos as their regular venue exploded in three evil suicide bomb attacks.

Members of NESTO (Native English Speaking Teen Olim, a club of Israel's NCSY) and the great guys from Yeshiva Shalavim raised the spirits of the Gilo youngsters enjoying the party.

Refreshments, toys and prizes were on hand and everyone walked away with a gift, though after all was said and done, it was still the hundreds of balloons drifting elegantly into the night's sky that held the children’s greatest delight.