For Yaakov Yosef Greenwald, this is not just another Chanukah but one back home in Eretz Yisrael, one that is accompanied with a brief taste of freedom.

As one of the three bochrim imprisoned in Japan for years, now completing his sentence in Nitzan Prison in Israel, Yaakov Yosef was permitted to enjoy a leave of a number of hours on Sunday, 25 Kislev 5773, to celebrate Chanukah with family and friends. It marked the first time he was permitted to meet with members of his family outside of confinement since taken into custody by Japanese authorities. He was more than pleased to have merited toiveling in a mikve for the first time in five years.

Through the efforts of many, including HaGaon HaTzaddik Rav Dovid Grossman Shlita, Yaakov Yosef was permitted to return home to Eretz Yisrael about two months ago, where he is completing his prison sentence, albeit under significantly improved conditions than he knew during his years of imprisonment in Japan.

The parole board has agreed to wipe one-third from his sentence, in line with the norm for model prisoners, and he is set for release on 19 Teves 5773. During the time period that remains of his sentence the parole board decided he must serve in yeshiva studying Torah, agreeing to wave the standard supervised work program due to his pristine behavior during the difficult process.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)