Resilience Tales of My People: Sharing Miracles of Strength and Hope
Jenny Michan
Mexico
Hanukkah inspires me deeply every year. The story of a small jar of oil lasting eight days instead of one is a powerful reminder that, even in the darkest times, light can prevail. This message resonates deeply with my life as a volunteer with several Jewish community organizations in Mexico, but especially with my personal project, Resilience Tales of My People.
Every Wednesday, I have the privilege of sharing a story of resilience on Instagram @resilience_tales_of_my_people. These real-life stories remind us that miracles didn’t end with the Maccabees, they still happen today. From survivors of tragedies to wounded soldiers finding strength to move forward, these stories are a testament to the inner strength and enduring spirit of the Jewish people.
Through this project, I discovered my passion for writing--and that I’m pretty good at it! I’ve been fortunate to meet incredible people who have taught me so much. Every interview brings a unique life lesson. This project fills my soul, and I truly believe I’ve found my
life’s purpose.
One story I’ll never forget is of an IDF reservist who, upon hearing about the October 7th attack while abroad, did everything in his power to return to Israel. He was gravely wounded in combat, yet his unbreakable spirit remains focused on his recovery, with the hope of one day defending his country again. Stories like his are a constant source of inspiration, reminding me that even in the greatest adversity, the spark of hope can illuminate the path forward.
Miracles lie in the unity of Am Yisrael – The Nation of Israel
Through Resilience Tales of My People, I aim to share this light with others. By telling these stories, I hope that those who read them feel less alone in their own struggles. Every comment or thank you message reinforces that we’re building a network of solidarity and hope.
Hanukkah teaches us that miracles are not only about oil lasting longer or military victories, but also about our ability to believe and take action, even when everything seems lost. Miracles lie in the unity of Am Yisrael – The Nation of Isael; when we come together as one people to overcome challenges and keep our light burning.
This Hanukkah, as we light the candles, let’s remember that every action, no matter how small, can be the spark that ignites a greater flame. A single candle may seem small, yet it can light another candle without losing its own flame, in fact, its light grows even brighter. That’s exactly how I feel when I give a part of myself to help others.
Let’s be that candle those lights others, spreading hope and resilience. May we continue to light up the world, one miracle at a time.
In addition to her passion project Resilience Tales of My People, Jenny is a dedicated community volunteer in Mexico City. She is deeply involved in several Jewish organisations, including Israel Bonds Women’s Division, the Maguen David Community Centre, Yad Vashem Mexico and Yesod Haolam. She also represents B’shvil Hamachar and Eshet Jail in Mexico.
Follow @resilience_tales_of_my_people on Instagram.
She is Our Miracle
Orit Eyal-Fibeesh
United Kingdom
The harrowing events of October 7th have been recounted countless times, yet each story and every individual’s response carries its own profound weight. As a former officer in the IDF and a devoted Israeli patriot, I found myself unable to turn away from the relentless news coverage of that dark day. Like many, I felt compelled to act.
Initially, my instinct was to go to Israel immediately and offer my support in any way possible. However, my daughter, who had made Aliyah, managed to come to London for a few weeks just before most flights ceased. Suddenly, traveling to Israel no longer felt viable. I resolved instead to channel all my energy and determination into helping from afar.
This decision gave birth to the 7/10 Human Chain, a movement driven by a singular promise: to raise awareness and fight for the return of the hostages. On October 15th, 2023, we held our first vigil, calling for the release of the 147 hostages we then knew had been taken. As the true scale of the tragedy became clear, the number exceeded 250, a staggering toll that deepened
our resolve.
We connected with Sharone Lifschitz and Noam Sagi, whose mother (and in Sharone’s case, father too) were among the kidnapped. Together, we began to act. We rallied in squares across London.
We marched. We lit candles and blanketed the country with posters of the missing. We protested outside the Red Cross, the BBC, and other major media outlets. We commemorated Emily’s birthday and Kfir’s too. Dressed in ropes and stained clothing, we stood in front of Parliament. We flew balloons, staged exhibits, and made noise wherever and however we could.
One particularly vivid memory stands out. In early November 2023, we organised a ‘human chain’ around Parliament Square. Dressed in black, shoulder to shoulder, we held posters of the kidnapped and shouted until our voices were raw: “Bring them home!” I called Noam Sagi to the stage that day and said, “Take a picture. Show Ada what we did for her when she comes home.” We both cried.
It was a moment of collective relief, joy, and hope.
Later that month, Ada Sagi did come home! From that moment on, I started calling her ‘the lucky one’. She was my miracle. She was our miracle.
A few months ago, during a vigil in Hyde Park marking one year since October 7th, Ada Sagi lit a candle on stage. Tens of thousands of participants rose to their feet, clapping for her, a relentless and thunderous applause. It was a moment of collective relief, joy, and hope.
Ada is my miracle, as are the other hostages who returned to their families since. But my heart remains heavy. I am still waiting—for a new miracle. I am waiting for the day when the remaining 100 hostages come home.
And I am waiting for that day to come NOW.
Miracles of Unity Shine Through Adversity in Brazil.
Elisa Nigri Griner
Brazil
Since the tragic Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, the Jewish community of São Paulo and Brazil has demonstrated unprecedented mobilization, transforming pain and outrage into concrete acts of love, solidarity, and hope. The community’s efforts have been both extensive and impactful.
During this period, numerous initiatives have focused on advocating for the release of hostages, combating antisemitism, and even organising volunteer groups to travel to Israel. Among the most poignant actions were symbolic displays, such as placing blood-stained teddy bears in a public square to represent kidnapped children, a march with empty baby strollers, a simulation depicting of a woman in bloodstained pants being dragged by a terrorist, and a silent protest that highlighting the grave situation faced by women and the urgent need for action.
Efforts to address antisemitism have also been robust. Lawyers have volunteered their time and joined forces to prosecute hate crimes and discrimination, Tackling the alarming rise of antisemitic incidents. Simultaneously, many individuals have begun supporting institutions in Israel, contributing financially and through initiatives to help rebuild the lives of those directly impacted.
Volunteer groups travelled to Israel, dedicating themselves to helping rebuild devastated communities. Meanwhile, in Brazil, young people have become more engaged and conscious, strengthening their Jewish identity and their commitment to preserving values — L’Dor V’Dor (from generation to generation). This renewed sense of identity has inspired concrete actions, including growing support of Israel Bonds around the world, reinforcing the connection to the State of Israel and helping to strengthen its economy.
The Jewish community of São Paulo and Brazil has found the strength to turn adversity into hope.
These initiatives take on even greater significance as we approach Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. Just as the Maccabees overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges. Transforming darkness into light, the Jewish community of São Paulo and Brazil has found the strength to turn adversity into hope. Chanukah reminds us that small miracles can have profound impacts, and the fight for the release of hostages, for justice, and for peace will not cease until they are all home.
The unity and engagement of the community during this challenging time underscores our collective power to transform the pain of October 7 into action, illuminating darkness with solidarity and love.
Wishing all a chag Chanukah Sameach – Happy Chanukah!
Elisa Nigri Griner serves as Co-Chair of the Israel Bonds Women’s Division in Brazil alongside Patricia Fuchs and is also a Director at FISESP, the Jewish Federation in São Paulo.
Miracles in Action: Communities Transform Adversity
into Hope
Nachumi Rosenblatt
Germany
In the face of great challenges, the ability of communities to turn despair into hope is a powerful testament to human resilience and faith. The story of Chanukah, a beloved Jewish festival, beautifully illustrates this theme. It teaches us about the power of resilience and faith during moments of national and personal despair, and its lessons resonate deeply with the struggles we face today.
Imagine living in a time when practicing your faith could cost you your life. This was the reality for the Jewish people in the 2nd century BCE, under the rule of the oppressive Seleucid Empire. Their religious practices were banned, and their sacred temple was desecrated. Amidst this darkness, a small group of Jewish rebels, known as the Maccabees, decided to fight back. Despite being vastly outnumbered, their determination and unwavering faith enabled them to reclaim their temple.
When the Maccabees finally entered their desecrated temple, they found only a tiny amount of consecrated oil, enough to light the menorah for just one day. In a moment of profound faith, they lit the menorah anyway. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, giving them the time they needed to prepare more consecrated oil. This miracle is commemorated during Chanukah with the lighting of the menorah, each candle a symbol of light overcoming darkness, hope prevailing over despair.
The story of Chanukah teaches us that faith and resilience are not just personal virtues but communal imperatives. When individuals come together with a shared purpose, their collective strength can create miracles.
Even in the darkest of times, light can emerge.
Faith, in its broadest sense, is the belief in the possibility of a better future. It’s the conviction that, despite present difficulties, there is hope. This faith can be religious, but it can also be faith in humanity, justice, or the potential for change. The Maccabees’ faith in their cause and their community’s faith in the miracle of the oil show how belief sustains action and fosters resilience.
Resilience is the ability to recover from difficulties and adapt to change. It involves growth and transformation. The story of Chanukah is a narrative of resilience—of a community that refused to accept defeat and instead turned their struggle into a source of strength and renewal. This lesson is especially relevant today as we navigate the complexities of modern challenges.
The story of Chanukah is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, light can emerge. It shows us the enduring spirit of resilience and the transformative power of faith and collective action. As we face contemporary adversities, the lessons of Chanukah inspire us to believe in miracles—not as supernatural events, but as the extraordinary outcomes of ordinary people working together with hope and determination. By embracing these values, we can transform our struggles into opportunities for growth, renewal, and lasting hope.
Nachumi Rosenblatt is the Head of the Children, Youth and Family Department at the Central Welfare Organisation of Jews in Germany e. V. Zentralwohlfahrtsstelle der Juden in Deutschland e. V.
Photo credit: Gregor Zielke.
Empowering the Next Generation
Oren Giorno
France
Since October, we've been running a monthly session for 11 to 14-year-olds to raise awareness about anti-Semitism, understand it’s mechanism, recognise anti-Semitic clichés, deconstruct them, and combat them. Through this programme, we hope our young people will develop the right reflexes if they are confronted with or witness anti-Semitism.
The first session taught the children to understand what discrimination is and how the the spread of clichés has worked throughout history, particularly on social networks today. Since 7th October, we've seen an upsurge in attendance at our synagogues and a renewed interest in Jewish identity.
As the holiday of Hanukkah approaches, we believe this initiative is more necessary than ever, as the best way to combat anti-Semitism is through education and pride in our Jewish identity.
On Sunday, December 8th, together with Israel Bonds in France, we held a small ceremony for the 60 students of Judaism in Motion (JEM) who celebrated their Bar/Bat Mitzvah between August and December 2024.
At the ceremony, each student was presented with several gifts, including a Mazel Tov Bond, generously donated by one of our community members. We took the opportunity to remind them of the significance of becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, its meaning, and the concepts of responsibility and commitment to the welfare of their community.
We reflected on the young people's journey through our Talmud Torah and introduced them to new programs
and initiatives.
Oren Giorno is the Director of JEM Talmud Torah, Jewish education and Youth.
Photo of Oren by Hugo Ouri
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