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December 29, 2005
Chanukah at Saddam's house
I got an e-mail pointing me toward a story that is satisfying on a variety of levels; someone I know has played a key role in both reviving Judaism in a very visible way and sticking it to one of the worst dictators of the 20th Century.
Menorah lighting in Saddam Hussein's former palace
Lt. Laurie Zimmet, serving for the US Navy Intelligence in Baghdad, Iraq, organized a Chanukah Festival and Menorah Kindling inside the Al Faw Palace, the former palace of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad.
The US Armed Services granted her the permission to organize it and distributed flyers to thousands of Jewish Servicemen and women serving our country inviting them to celebrate Chanukah in this most unique location.
Zimmet is a member of Chabad of the Conejo. "Laurie brought the message of Chanukah alive for so many of our people that are away from home during the holiday of Chanukah - a message of 'Light Over Darkness.' In a facility built by an evil man of an evil regime, the light of Chanukah shined bright. A victory for the light of goodness over darkness," said Rabbi Moshe Bryski, Laurie's Rabbi. "We are all so proud of her."
Lori used to be the producer for writer and radio talkshow host Dennis Prager; after 9-11, she enlisted in the Navy and was commissioned as an officer when the military recognized her talents and abilities. She's been to the war zone several times, armed with both her faith and an M-16 (faith is good -- faith with some thirty-round clips is even better).
Have you seen anything more inspiring than a menorah in Saddam's palace? Maybe a bris at Bin-Ladin's house, but that's for next year. At times like this, it makes me glad that the former dictator is still around, just to see how his digs are being put to use.
Nota Bene
Anyone seen this in the MSM?
[crickets]
I didn't think so.
Posted by Mike Lief at December 29, 2005 08:13 AM