On the last night of Chanukah camp, bereaved children stand up before the entire camp and speak about their journey of healing. 

The following is the speech from Moriah: 

My name is Moriah and I am 14 years old.

My brother Neriah and seven of his friends were murdered in a terror attack at Merkaz Harav 10 years ago.

I joined OneFamily five years ago when I was in third grade.

I wanted to tell you about something that happened to me.  After my brother Neriah was murdered, I experienced a serious incident that caused me to limp on my right foot.  Last summer at camp something very meaningful happened to me.

Our group went ice skating and I was very scared because I did not want to skate and hurt my leg again, but then my group gave me a hand and walked with me together on the ice. It gave me strength and the feeling that I was not alone and there was someone with me who I could always hold on to.

And I succeeded! At first I did not believe in myself,  but after they helped me, it gave me confidence and I could do it.

This year I did not want to dance. I was afraid everyone would laugh at me. My counselor did not give up on me. She insisted that I dance and that I ignore anyone who laughs. At the last minute, I decided to dance – and it made me feel like I should not give up on myself even when it was difficult.

Never give up on yourself.