Page 7 - TORCH #1 - Autumn 2015

The story of Sarah and Ariel struck a chord with people around the world. There was even a fund set up for well-wishers who wanted to send gifts to the future husband and wife.
On Thursday 26 November, with hundreds of family and friends, and many more well- wishers in attendance, Sarah Litman and Ariel Biegel were married.
The wedding was attended by Chief Rabbi of Israel David Lau and Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem Shlomo Amar. Sarah Netanyahu, the Prime Minister’s wife, arrived later and blessed the newlyweds, along with many other distinguished guests.
Thousands of other guests came from
all over Israel and around the world to celebrate with the bride and groom. There was also a live broadcast of the wedding, from the gathering of guests, the moving ‘chuppah’ ceremony and scenes of joyous dancing.
Among the well-wishers was Rabbi Mark Fishman of the Congregation Beth Tikvah in Montreal. The rabbi brought 11 of his
congregation from Canada to Israel to join the wedding celebration.
“Instead of mourning, the Jewish people will dance. Instead of crying, the Jewish people will sing. Instead of fear, the Jewish people will have courage. And like Sarah Litman, showing us and leading us with her example, we will go from distress to relief, from darkness to light, from subjugation to redemption,” Rabbi Fishman told his congregation before the trip.
“We went from a nation mourning the Litman family’s loss, to a nation celebrating this joyous occasion,” said one lady in attendance. “We all feel connected to what this family has been through. It was our chance to help make this event a happy one.”
Sarah thanked the public for their response. “Until two weeks ago, nobody knew or was interested in me and Ariel, then one minute on Friday – at the height of preparations – my father and brother were murdered by a heinous terrorist. There is not a moment in which I do not miss the smile of Netanel and the humility and modesty of my father, it will always accompany me.”
“But precisely in the midst of the pain, in the month of bravery before Hannukah, we will spread, together with all of the people of Israel, an immense light of happiness, giving love which was bestowed upon us by the nation of Israel. The main thing is not to fear at all.”
Photos: Hadas Parush / Flash 90
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