What’s happening:

During the upcoming Hanukkah festival, 90 menorahs will be lit using olive oil from Jerusalem’s historic Ammunition Hill. This oil will illuminate menorahs across former battlefields, including those in Gaza, as part of a poignant act of remembrance and celebration.

Why it matters:

The olive oil holds significant historical value, as it comes from trees planted in memory of the fallen soldiers of the Six-Day War. These trees, now numbering 182, were planted by the families of the deceased soldiers at Ammunition Hill, which is now a national memorial site.

The significance:

The lighting of the menorahs is not just a tribute to the past but a message of resilience and hope. Soldiers from the Harel, Jerusalem, and Paratroopers brigades, crucial in the liberation of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War, along with reservists and relatives of fallen heroes, will partake in the lighting ceremony. This event links the bravery of the past to the dedication of the present-day soldiers.

What they’re saying:

Ketri Maoz, CEO of Ammunition Hill, articulates the deep meaning of this tradition. He expresses that the Hanukkah lights represent the eternal flame of courage, the victory of light over darkness, and the triumph of good over evil. These lights also stand for the hope of the return of captives, the commemoration of those who have fallen, the healing of the wounded, and the solace of the families who have lost loved ones.

The backdrop:

Ammunition Hill, once a strategic Jordanian military post, was the site of a pivotal battle during the Six-Day War. It has since been transformed into a symbol of valor, hosting a memorial that honors the legacy of those who fought for Jerusalem’s liberation.

This story was first published on jpost.com.