Why Hanan Ben Ari Celebrates in a Sukkah Without Decorations

The festival of Sukkot brings joy, but in Israel, it is challenging this year due to the difficult situation of the captives in Gaza and the ongoing war. Singer Hanan Ben Ari shared with his Instagram followers that this year he chose not to decorate the sukkah, but did hang one special decoration made with his children. Its purpose is to remind everyone to pray for the captives.

In a post he wrote, Ben Ari uploaded a picture with his children, holding a yellow chain with 101 links, each bearing the name of a captive. "The only decoration we made this year," Ben Ari wrote, "with the names of our brothers and sisters. May we have a peaceful holiday, with good news. May they return today."

"This year, the decorations will be different, but the pain will accompany us every holiday," Ben Ari concluded. "We hope the joy returns to the people of Israel soon."

Recently, Ben Ari wrote a special post in honor of our soldiers. "I want to hug each and every one of you, our heroes. Thank you for everything you have done and are still doing so we can breathe. I don't know exactly how we can help or how we could ever repay you," he posted on social media.

"I wish you would help us help you. Tell, talk, cry, let the pain out. I hope the country will wake up and realize the new numbers of people who need help. This is not a privilege; it is our duty to care for these people. The first step is to stop and see them. They are among us."