President Shimon Peres
toured an Osem food factory in Sderot, in which a new line was established to provide the struggling city with additional income.
"In Gaza rockets are being lit, while in Sderot candles are being lit. Gaza is being darkened while Sderot is being lit up," he said during a Hanukah candle-lighting ceremony at the factory Wednesday evening.
"I don't know of any other place in the world that would hold such a beautiful celebration under a barrage of dozens of rockets."
Nearly 60 rockets and mortars were fired toward
Israel from Gaza since Tuesday night; more than 40 Israelis suffered from shock and
extensive damage was caused to a number of structures.
The president also spoke of his recent visit to an Israel Air Force base in Palmachim, saying "it is hard to describe the force that could be felt there. Had we wanted to, we would have had no problem resorting to sheer force, but we must act prudently and not say when and where we will retaliate. The IDF can face any threat."
According to Peres, "Hamas is destroying its own people."
The president also visited a local community center, where he lit Hanukkah candles with a group of children. "You are Israel's miracle," Peres told them, "you have no idea how much pride you are bringing to the country."
Peres was advised to postpone his tour of the South in light of the massive rocket and mortar fire, but he insisted on making the trip despite the risk.
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