Chanukah in Iraq

Editors Note: The following is an excerpt from Rabbi (Cdr) Mitchell Schranz’s account of Chanukah celebrations he participated in all across Iraq.

There is only one word to describe this year’s Chanukah in Iraq: INCREDIBLE! Services & Menorah lightings took place at many bases and FOBs. Rabbi Mordechai Schwab and I traveled throughout Iraq where we were able to spend some time with many of [the troops], at least for one or two days. At Al Faw Palace a huge Menorah was lit (a la Chabad!) in the lobby of Saddam Hussein’s one-time seat of power (and who knows what else!) Since Saddam had no shortage of palaces, there was another Menorah lighting in the International Zone Palace under the able leadership and coordination of Lay Leaders Col Nelson Mellitz and Maj Adam Torem. In fact, last Thursday we had a second candle lighting in one of the conference rooms where more than likely that wicked man held court. Nes gadol haya sham–a great miracle happened there!

The outpouring of support from Synagogues, schools, and private citizens all across America to their Jewish brethren in Iraq was mind-boggling. Boxes and boxes of Menorahs, candles, dreidels, cards, goodies poured into the post office like a tidal wave. You could feel the love these fine people packed into each box, with their messages of support and encouragement. It was heartfelt.

We are working on getting thank you letters out to everyone who sent us these gifts. It will take awhile as we are all very busy with the mission at hand. If you are reading this and you sent us something, I know I speak for all Jewish personnel when I say thank you from the bottom of our hearts! You made our Chaunkah one we will remember the rest of our lives.

Another group of people that deserves much praise are our intrepid Jewish Lay Leaders. They are all doing a magnificent job keeping Jewish life alive and well in the outposts where there cannot be a full-time rabbi. We also thank LTJG Laurie Zimmet for coordinating the Menorah lighting and construction of the Menorah at Al Faw. I could not be there, but by all accounts it was an unforgettable moment. The Hard Corps Chorale Choir sang traditional Chanukah melodies, and a buffet of potato latkes, donuts, and other treats was served. SGT Moshe Lans deserves a big Yasher Koach for accompanying me on part of my trip, protecting me with his trusty M-16, and for helping work out the logistics of sending Chanukah boxes from Camp Victory elsewhere in Iraq. Chaplain (Major) Matt Goff, MNC-I Plans & Ops, and a Baptist pastor, was incredible and I owe him–big time. Matt was brilliant, cutting through the red tape to make things happen in order to facilitate Chanukah observances. Truly, this was a team effort.

In reflecting back on the past two weeks, I kept asking myself if the Almighty is perhaps trying to tell us something, or is there a lesson we should take away with us? Personally, having just returned from Tallil, Abraham and Sarah’s home, it was confirmation (if any is needed) that the Brit (Covenant) between G-d and the Jewish people is eternal. Tyrants, heartless regimes come and go, but there will always be a Jewish people. It was also a potent reminder that the little jar of oil can keep the Menorah burning brightly forever!.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Mitch Schranz

8 comments

  • I am the chair of the Social Action committee at my synagogue in Washington DC and want to include the opportunity to send chanukah gifts to our service people in Irag and Afghanistan. Are you doing this again this year? I need the info asap (of course!). Thank you

  • Howdy… I only just saw your comment, Shelley, but I wanted to say yes, we’re still having Chanukah services at Al-Faw starting next week.

    Our lay leader is Megan Williams, or you can email me.

  • Hanukkah 2007 is coming- how can we help? Is this project happening again this year? Any details appreciated.

  • Naomi Hutchins

    I have just seen your great web site. My family lives in Arlington, VA and close to all things “military”. If there is anything that you guys need for the upcoming Holidays just ask. It would be my pleasure to get involved and ask my fellow Jews at Chabad to get involved. Please do let me know.

  • How I might be able to help with something between now and Pesach? Tu B’shevat, maybe? (I teach a kindergarten class at religious school; maybe paintings?). Obviously, Valentine’s Day isn’t a Jewish holiday, but perhaps some of our Jewish trooops would enjoy receiving cards and candy hearts?

    Please let me know. Thanks!

  • Could you please post some pics? Can I make a corresponding article in this database?

  • Jack,

    See the note at the beginning of the article. There are more photos in the gallery.

    You can write about it all you like, as long as you link back to the original one here.

  • Saddam, where are you?