New Jersey’s Ben Porat Yosef (BPY) was the school chosen to represent the U.S. in a special candle-lighting ceremony for the Ohr Eitan, Share the Light project, an initiative of the Israeli government. The school, along with others in Mexico, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Greece and more, joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sarah, to light the candle for the first night of Chanukah. The Netanyahus warmly welcomed and waved to all those participating on Zoom, stressing how incredible it was to have these communities from all over the world join them for this holiday celebration.

The start of the program was briefly delayed because Netanyahu was signing a peace treaty with Morocco. Netanyahu was scheduled to visit with the group on Zoom after the event, but had to leave immediately after to announce this historical achievement. BPY students look forward to a rescheduled special Zoom with Netanyahu in the near future.

The evening also featured a show-stopping, Chanukah-themed video projected on huge screens, and a variety of song and musical performances.