Bringing light to Israel’s foster children who have been through many troubled homes is not always something that is easy to do.

The IDF is used to tackling problems that are not easy, and this year, for the second time in a row, the IDF will team up with The Summit Institute to spread some light and joy this Hanukkah to foster children in Israel.

Summit is organizing a group of some 300 foster children from southern and central Israel to light candles on seventh night of Hanukkah at the IDF paratrooper training base.

“It’s not the first time we’ve done this,” explained Orit Amiel, Director of Foster Care Programs, to Breaking Israel News.  “Last year the children were invited by the Israeli Air Force to have a tour of one of the Air Force combat squadrons. We’ve found the connection with the army is extremely empowering for children who have gone through so much and how now become a meaningful tradition.”

The children who attend these visits are usually in their early teens. “The soldiers literally light up the lives of these children. It is something really special to behold. We’d like to also invite anyone reading this to share some light with our children, just as the IDF has,” said Amiel.

The foster families of the children are also invited to share the celebratory event. “For some of the children this will be their first time visiting an army base with us as it is there first time in foster care,” Amiel said. “However, for many others it is an event that they look forward to from year to year.”

Executive Director of Summit, Yoni Bogot, confirmed Amiel’s sentiments. “In light of last years visit with the Air Force, the children have been looking forward to this highlight of the year.”

Summit is hoping that the holiday cheer will last as some significant hurdles are awaiting the organization on the horizon. Due to the early dismissal of the Knesset and the dissolution of the government, the social welfare network which the organization and hence the foster children depend upon, have incurred numerous setbacks.

Israel’s social welfare network, which is expecting a significant influx of foster children who will need foster families during the coming year, was also hoping for an influx of funding. In spite of a bill increasing the rights of foster children, which passed its first reading earlier this year, the bill will now be put on hold before it can come to the plenum for a second reading due to the call for early elections.

“Who knows what will happen after the elections are over,” worried Amiel. “Depending upon who the new Minister of Social Welfare is, the bill may get swept aside completely.” Such things have become common in Israeli politics, as incoming parties and ministers do not always agree with decisions or bills initiated by their predecessors.

Another issue which is currently affecting the organization is a lengthy review process initiated by the Ministry of Welfare, which has also being put on hold for the time being. “The ministry is in the process of initiating a new drive that is supposed to help us (Summit) recruit new foster families. But that too is on hold due to a special process that the ministry is going through currently,” said Amiel.

This process will also be affected by the elections should there be a change in the minister and who is in charge after the elections are decided.

Summit does not have the luxury of taking a recess, unlike the Israeli government does. “One cannot simply stop caring for children because an election is coming. The foster families don’t get a break, and neither do we,” Amiel said with pride.

“All these pauses are causing us to have to work harder, but we do it, knowing that we will make a difference,” she said.

All in all, over 10,000 children in Israel are removed from their homes for various reasons including; abuse, neglect and the inability of their biological family to provide a secure and loving environment for them. Of the 10,000 children, only 2,000 are currently in foster care. The other 80 percent are sent to boarding schools and dormitories.

The now dormant bill is expected to change those numbers and bring them in line with what is a more accepted amount of children in foster care in western countries. It will enable a larger portion of the children to find a loving home. Explained Amiel, “We are hopeful, that despite elections, the Foster Care Bill will be approved in the near future.”

To find out how you can make a miracle this Hanukkah for foster children in Israel, click here.