Prime Minister Svyrydenko lights menorah with rabbis at Cabinet of Ministers

At the ceremony. Photo: OP

A Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony was held at the building of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, attended by Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko. Svyrydenko herself reported this on Facebook.

Together with the head of government, the ceremonial event was attended by the Chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, Rabbi Meir Stambler, as well as representatives of the country’s Jewish community.

“I had a pleasant opportunity to join this tradition,” Svyrydenko noted.

According to her, “it is important for us that all national communities that consider Ukraine their home have equal and dignified opportunities to develop their cultures and traditions here, while preserving their own identity.”

In conclusion, Svyrydenko wished everyone goodness, light, and a just peace, calling the Hanukkah candle a symbol of shared hope.

In the comments, Ukrainians criticized Svyrydenko.

“Why is it so important to honor the holidays of others? Is there really no Ukrainian culture in Ukraine for you, officials? If you honor Hanukkah, then why don’t you celebrate Kurban Bayram, for example?” asked Alina Bondar.

“Please, also respect Ramadan in the government together with the Crimean Tatar community,” Glib Pakharenko wrote sarcastically.

“What does the Hanukkiah have to do with the Ukrainian government and the people?” asked Hryhorii Yavir, citing Article 35 of the Constitution.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Klitschko took part in the lighting of the largest menorah in Europe on the Maidan.

Read also