The families of the captive Israelis in Lebanon have sent Four Species to their loved ones. The Four Species - lulav (palm branch), etrog (citron), hadasim (myrtle branches), and aravot (willow branches) - are an intrinsic part of the seven-day holiday of Sukkot that begins tonight. [Sukkot is followed by Shmini Atzeret-Simchat Torah, a full holiday that is celebrated for one day in Israel and two days elsewhere.]
The families brought the ritual items to the Red Cross offices in Tel Aviv this morning, asking that they be given to the Hizbullah terrorists to transfer to their sons whom they abducted almost a year ago. Efrat Avraham, sister of captive soldier Benny Avraham, said that they have sent other religious items over the year, such as a Chanukah menorah, Bibles, and Purim snacks, but that Hizbullah has refused to accept them. The other kidnapped Israelis are Elchanan Tenenbaum, for whom Hizbullah has agreed to accept medicines, Adi Avitan, and Omar Souad.
The families brought the ritual items to the Red Cross offices in Tel Aviv this morning, asking that they be given to the Hizbullah terrorists to transfer to their sons whom they abducted almost a year ago. Efrat Avraham, sister of captive soldier Benny Avraham, said that they have sent other religious items over the year, such as a Chanukah menorah, Bibles, and Purim snacks, but that Hizbullah has refused to accept them. The other kidnapped Israelis are Elchanan Tenenbaum, for whom Hizbullah has agreed to accept medicines, Adi Avitan, and Omar Souad.