Two months ago the AJN reported of a Jewish pilot who flew to Antarctica for four months on a scientific mission for the Australian government.

David Wakil, 39, from Sydney, will spend the summer facilitating scientific research in one of the most remote areas in the world.

“I have been chasing this job for a year and a half, so I’m very excited. It is a bit difficult to be away for a long time, but it will be amazing to be in a place that most people never see.”

Wakil will fly between Tasmania and Antarctica operating the Airbus A319. This service is part of the $46.3 million Australian government Antarctic Air Service.

“The role includes transporting equipment and scientists between bases, as well as any potential medical evacuation for around 120 people,” he said.

Wakil was recently presented with a “Jewish survival kit” by Rabbi Levi Wolff of Sydney’s Central Synagogue.

“The rabbi was very organised and got me a whole lot of stuff to take down, including a tefillat haderech [Traveller’s Prayer] that I will wear in my flight suit,” he said. “He also gave me his own dollar note that he received from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and I’ll bring that back with me next year.”

Rabbi Wolff also gave Wakil a Chanukah Menorah with 44 candles telling him that "you can light these candles wherever you are even on the coldest, driest and windiest continent.

Now almost two months after we parted I received an emotional email from David, Rabbi Wolff told Shturem.net. He sent me pictures of him and the Chanukah Menorah that he lit. 

Click on play or here to see a 16 second clip

"There's alot to say and to tell," he writes, "but I do not have much time. It is hard for me to describe the feeling of the first Jew celebrating Chanukah in Antarctica. Believe me, the light of Chanukah illuminates me and my enviroment. I write this as tears fill my eyes. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to Rabbi Wolff for his caring about Judaism."

"In the course of my stay here I have already broken many records and it seems that I am now breaking a new record: the first Jew ever to celebrate two holidays in Anarctica (He'll be there Purim too. Editor).

"I am keeping my promise by sending you two pictures and am sending my regards to all Shturem surfers. Happy Chanukah.