On Saturday November 10, 2007 a series of special activities were conducted at the Karmiel Children's Village. The activities were defined as a "Creative Shabbat for Hanukkah" and included the preparation of unique Hanukkah menorahs constructed from olive wood, the preparation of dreidels, decorations and "stained glass" pictures with a Hanukkah narrative.

The activities were initiated by the Karmiel-Misgav YAD group operating within the Jewish Agency sponsored Partnership 2000 program. Since its inauguration this past January, the group has attracted a variety of young adults' ages 22-45, all residents of Karmiel-Misgav  region, who are interested in contributing to the community and developing a long-term relationship with their counterparts from the partner community in Pittsburgh.

What was different and special about this activity was following their completion the Hanukkah menorahs, dreidels, and numerous cards prepared by the children were wrapped, packed and shipped to Pittsburgh, to the community and families that have sponsored the a group of kids in the Village and provided them with support and gifts of their own.

Behind this activity was the idea that throughout the year, the children receive lots of love, attention and gifts from the people of the Pittsburgh Jewish Community, and now what better way was it for the children to recognize this love by giving a modest, handmade gift of their own in return.

With this great idea in hand and their tremendous desire to show their love and thanks, over 100 kids on a Saturday morning "stormed" the village's activity center. The noise of activity, the happy sounds of children having a good time resonated for hours throughout the village and brought a sense of excitement to the village's counselors, children and members of the YAD group.

In addition to the arts and crafts activities, the children happily discovered giant dolls dancing through the village's roadways, to meet and hug them- a generous contribution from Zvika and Mia, a local company, and for dessert, they enjoyed chocolates donated by the Vered Hagalil Chocolate Co. Ltd.

At this hour, the various creations are on their way to Pittsburgh and around Hanukkah will be distributed to the many families that contribute as best they can for the benefit of the children of the Karmiel Children's Village. The various creations will also be displayed in a Hanukkah event that will take place at Pittsburgh' JCC on December 6th.