Budanov in synagogue: Hanukkah will illuminate victories of Ukraine and Israel
Kyrylo Budanov (right) holding the torch to light the menorah. Photo: JCC BEIT Menachem KYIV Facebook
At a festive banquet held at Kyiv's central synagogue, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, lit the second Hanukkah candle on the menorah alongside Vitali Klitschko, the Chief Rabbi, and the Israeli ambassador.
Before the ceremony, Budanov addressed the banquet participants with a formal speech. Among other remarks, he stated, "The flame of this candle will illuminate our future victory – both ours and that of the State of Israel."
"We all need it," Budanov concluded.
Notably, during the menorah lighting ceremony, Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch spoke to Budanov in Russian.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Budanov lit a Hanukkah menorah made from missile fragments at the Jewish community center.
Read also
"KyivPride" organizers announced dates for holding LGBT march in capital
Activists plan to hold mass events in June 2026.
Monastic tonsures performed at Kyiv Theological Academy
The Rector of the Kyiv Theological Schools, Archbishop Sylvester, tonsured four students of the academy and seminary into monasticism.
No language law violations found at Holosiiv Monastery school
The inspection found no evidence of Russian-language instruction in the school that operated on the grounds of the Holosiiv Monastery.
Czech authorities intend to seize three largest churches from Church, source
In Prague, preparations have begun to terminate lease agreements concluded with Orthodox church communities.
Rome's basilica bust re-attributed to Michelangelo
A marble bust that has stood for centuries in one of Rome’s basilicas has been re-attributed to Michelangelo after nearly 200 years in obscurity.