“As a Jew born in Ukraine during a dark time in Jewish history, the grandson of Holocaust survivors, and the rabbi of Kiev, I am proud to stand here today in the country’s parliament on behalf of Ukraine’s Jewish community,” said Rabbi Markovich.“Hanukkah represents the victory of the Jewish people over a vast empire. It was possible because we were united and put our trust in God. A parliament is an institution that unites all the people of Ukraine. Everyone has a different viewpoint, but we must always stay united, if we want to defeat our enemies.”The event is the first of its kind to be held since the inauguration of the new Ukrainian government, under Jewish President Volodymyr Zelensky."I warmly congratulate the Jewish community on Hanukkah, a holiday filled... joy, good deeds and sincere hopes," Zelensky said in a statement. "The light of the Hanukkah candles reminds us that strong faith and unwavering spirit help to overcome the most difficult of challenges."We will preserve our unity in the name of the future of Ukraine."Further events are expected to be held by Jews throughout Ukraine in the coming days, in Kiev, Odessa, Dnipro, Lviv and Kharkov.Powerful first candle lighting of #Hanukka in #Kyiv with Rabbi Vishedsky from @Chabad #Donietsk and his wonderful community. pic.twitter.com/dt6CX3jYbu
— Joel Lion (@ambassadorlion) December 22, 2019
Ukranian parliament celebrates Hanukkah
The event is the first of its kind to be held since the inauguration of the new Ukrainian government, including Jewish President Volodymyr Zelensky.
