Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff lights Hanukkah candles in Israel

• Published date: 18 December 2020
• Author: Ido Ben Porat
• Date: 18 December 2020
• Publication title: Israel National News (Israel)

The ceremony was led by Capt. Rabbi Joshua Gerstein, whose family has a long history of service in the United States Army, where his father and grandfather served. The rabbi's grandfather took part in World War II. Rabbi Gerstein was born in one of the bases of the US Army, made Aliyah from North Carolina in 2007, and as of July 2020 serves as Rabbi of the haredi Netzah Yehuda Battalion.

A special guest at the ceremony was a member of the multinational observer forces who survived the helicopter accident in Egypt last month. Also taking part were fighters from Unit 669, the Tactical Unit for Special Rescue of the Israel Air Force, who took part the IDF efforts to assist in evacuating the American soldier for medical treatment in a hospital in Israel.

During the candle lighting ceremony, the Chief of Staff expressed his appreciation and gratitude to General Milley and the cooperation of the US Army with the IDF.

"I am happy for the opportunity to host General Milley for the third time in the IDF and thank him for a significant visit to Israel and a courageous relationship that lasts all year long," said Kochavi. "The close connection between the IDF and the US Army is of paramount importance...