The largest Hanukkah Menorah in Europe lit on Maidan

Klitschko Lights Menorah on Kyiv's Maidan. Photo: Klitschko's website

On December 25, 2024, the largest Hanukkah menorah in Europe was installed and lit on Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv, according to the website of Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

He personally led the ceremony. “Five-four-three-two-one,” Klitschko counted down ceremonially and pressed the button on the control panel to light the menorah.

“I congratulate the Jewish community on the holiday of Hanukkah! This is a holiday symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, purity and spirituality over materialism. May the light of the menorah bring joy, kindness, hope, and hasten peace for both the Ukrainian and Jewish peoples,” said the mayor of Kyiv. He also noted that in 2024, “the start of Hanukkah coincides with Christmas for Christians.” In his view, this coincidence signifies that “prayers for peace, goodness, and joy are even stronger because they are being offered by many people across the world.”

“Believe in justice and goodness! In miracles and in the people around you!” Klitschko urged those gathered.

Among the attendees were representatives of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine and the Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine.

Klitschko also lit another menorah at the Kyiv History Museum. This ceremony took place with the participation of the ambassadors of Israel and Austria, deputy ambassadors of Germany and Canada, and Ukraine's Chief Rabbi Moshe Azman.

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated in 2024 from December 25 to January 2.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Zelensky, along with Ukraine's rabbis, lit Hanukkah candles.

Read also