Dec 15, 2025
The lighting of the first Hanukkah candle is very important because it symbolizes that even a little light can dispel great darkness! And this is very relevant for Ukraine right now.
Yesterday, the first candle was lit in the Central Synagogue of Ukraine in honor of the great miracles of Hanukkah!
Unfortunately, this year's holiday began with tragic news from Sydney, where terrorists opened fire on rabbis and guests during Hanukkah celebrations, killing 15 people, including children, and the emissary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Eli Shlanger.
We always begin all events with a minute of silence and remembrance for all the fallen defenders of Ukraine. This time, the minute of silence was also dedicated to those who died in Sydney.
The lighting of the first Hanukkah candle is very important because it symbolizes that even a little light can dispel great darkness! And this is very relevant for Ukraine right now.
The event was attended by representatives of the Ukrainian government, public figures, military leaders, and the diplomatic corps, including US Ambassador Julie Davis, Austrian Ambassador Robert Müller, and German Chargé d'Affaires Maximilian Rausch.
