In Which Menorah Did President Zelensky Light the Chanukah Candle, and Who Was Chosen to Participate?

Amid a severe Russian attack and the launching of hundreds of missiles and drones toward Ukrainian cities, President Volodymyr Zelensky, the country's rabbis, and Chabad emissaries gathered in the presidential bunker in Kyiv to light the first Chanukah candle. The event, organized by the 'Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine' (FJCU), was held in a limited format due to the tense security situation.

The lighting this year took on particularly deep symbolic meaning as Ukraine fights for its independence against the Russian invasion. Zelensky, a proud Jew, emphasized the similarity between the Chanukah story—a victory of the few over the many—and Ukraine's current struggle. 'Almost three years have passed since the beginning of the war, and despite the terror we see even today in attacks on civilians, we are winning against all odds,' the president told the rabbis. 'A few against many, the weak against what was seen as one of the strongest armies in the world, the pure against the impure. We will win, and we are already winning, because there is no other choice.'

At the president's request, the lighting took place with an elegant menorah he received as a gift from the President of Argentina, Javier Milei, during his inauguration. Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki of Dnipro was honored to light the menorah, blessing the president for his steadfastness in support of Ukraine and expressing the support of all the country's rabbis. 'We hope that the Chanukah candles will also symbolize our victory,' Rabbi Kaminezki said.

Rabbi Meir Stambler, Chairman of the Jewish Communities in Ukraine, conveyed the message of the Lubavitcher Rebbe for Chanukah, emphasizing the victory of light over darkness and each person's responsibility to illuminate the darkness, especially in these difficult times. He also expressed hope that from the redemption of Chanukah will come the complete and true redemption.

In a touching gesture, Rabbi Stambler and his deputy, Rabbi Raphael Rotman, presented the president with a luxurious menorah made in Jerusalem, handcrafted and incorporating 24-carat gold and a relief of the Temple. Zelensky was moved by the gift and promised to place it in his office.

The event was attended by rabbis from all over Ukraine, including those from Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Odessa, and Lviv, who strengthened the president and expressed their pride in him and their unwavering support. The presence of rabbis from cities severely affected by the war, such as Kharkiv and Kherson, emphasized the unity and steadfastness of the Jewish community in Ukraine during this difficult time. The limited lighting, in the shadow of the war, became a symbol of hope, faith, and spiritual strength, casting a small light against great darkness.