As the Hanukkah holiday commenced, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine joined the Jewish community in celebrating this significant occasion by participating in a candle-lighting ceremony alongside prominent rabbis from across the country.
This event celebrated the themes of unity, resilience, and hope that are central to both the festival of Hanukkah and Ukraine’s ongoing struggles.
The ceremony began with Chief Rabbi of Dnipro, Shmuel Kaminetsky, offering a blessing and reflecting on the deep symbolism of Hanukkah. “The battle between light and darkness continues,” he stated.
“We see that thanks to you, the axis of evil is becoming much weaker, and we will soon defeat it. We will light these candles and hope that the Almighty will help us, and we will pray with everyone to see great miracles soon.” His words resonated deeply, drawing a parallel between the ancient Hanukkah story of triumph against overwhelming odds and Ukraine’s current fight for sovereignty and peace.
President Zelenskyy, addressing the gathering, extended heartfelt congratulations to the Jewish community on the holiday and expressed gratitude for their unwavering support and prayers for Ukraine. “Thank you for being in Ukraine and supporting everyone. We have a unique country – today we celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah. It is very good that in Ukraine we can all live together, fighting the darkness with the light that we have,” he remarked. His message emphasised the diverse and harmonious fabric of Ukrainian society, where different religious and cultural traditions coexist and thrive.
Adding a personal touch to the occasion, Zelenskyy pointed out that the Hanukkah menorah used during the ceremony held special significance. It had been gifted to him by the President of Argentina, Javier Milei, during his inauguration last December. The exchange took place on the fourth day of Hanukkah 5784, symbolising a shared commitment to light and hope amidst challenges.
Rabbi Meir Stambler, Chairman of the Council of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, highlighted another essential aspect of Hanukkah: the victory of a small, determined group over a formidable adversary. “Hanukkah reminds the world of the victory of a small number of people over a powerful enemy,” he noted, drawing an unmistakable parallel to Ukraine’s resilience in the face of adversity. His words served as a reminder that even in the darkest times, perseverance and faith can lead to triumph.
The ceremony brought together an impressive assembly of religious leaders, reflecting the rich tapestry of Jewish communities across Ukraine. Among the attendees were Chief Rabbi of Beit Menachem Chabad (Kyiv) Jonathan Markovitch, Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Religious Community of the Central Synagogue of Kyiv Moshe Azman, Chief Rabbi of Simcha Chabad Left Bank (Kyiv) Mordechai Levenharts, Chief Rabbi of Lviv Mordechai Bald, Chief Rabbi of Mykolaiv Shalom Gottlieb, Chief Rabbi of Odesa Avraham Wolff, Chief Rabbi of Sumy Yechiel Levitansky, Chief Rabbi of Kharkiv Moshe Moskowitz, Chief Rabbi of Kherson Yossef Wolff, and Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine Rabbi Raphael Rutman.
Their collective presence underscored the solidarity and strength of the Jewish community within Ukraine, as well as their integral role in the nation’s cultural and spiritual life. Each rabbi brought their unique perspective and blessings, weaving a narrative of unity and shared purpose.
Hanukkah, often called the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miraculous endurance of a single day’s worth of oil for eight days. This celebration of miracles and light amidst darkness holds particular poignancy for Ukraine, a nation that has faced tremendous trials yet continues to shine with resilience and hope.
The event’s profound messages of faith, unity, and perseverance resonate far beyond the Jewish community. In a time of profound challenges, the act of lighting the menorah becomes a universal symbol of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome darkness with light, despair with hope, and division with unity.
President Zelenskyy’s participation in the Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony not only reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ukraine’s diverse communities but also highlighted the shared values that bind the nation together.
As the candles were lit, their flames reflected the enduring spirit of a country determined to prevail, embodying the true essence of Hanukkah—a celebration of miracles, resilience, and hope for a brighter future.
Main Image: President of Ukraine.
