Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the first night of Hanukkah on Wednesday with a poignant candle-lighting ceremony held in his presidential bunker.
Joined by Chabad emissaries and rabbis, the event was organized by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine (FJCU), which oversees Jewish life across 169 communities nationwide, preserving its annual tradition despite the ongoing war.
The ceremony unfolded during one of the most intense attacks Ukraine has faced since the conflict began, with Russian forces bombarding energy infrastructure across multiple cities. Heightened rocket attacks, particularly in Kyiv, necessitated strict security measures, limiting attendance to ensure the safety of participants.
At Zelenskyy’s request, an ornate menorah gifted to him by Argentine President Javier Milei during his inauguration took center stage. The menorah, facilitated by Argentina’s chief Chabad emissary, Rabbi Tzvi Greenblatt, served as a symbol of solidarity and resilience.
Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki, Chief Rabbi of Dnipro, led the candle-lighting ceremony, emphasizing the symbolism of light prevailing over darkness. “We hope these Hanukkah lights will symbolize our victory,” he declared.
Zelenskyy, proudly referencing his Jewish heritage, addressed the rabbis, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to Ukraine:“Nearly three years into this war, despite today’s terrorist attacks on civilians, we’re prevailing against all odds – the few against the many, the weak against what was thought to be one of the world’s strongest armies. We will triumph because there is no alternative. I’m proud of you, our country’s rabbis, for staying with us despite this brutal war when you could have fled.”
* Arutz 7 contributed to this article.
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