Judaism - Hanukkah celebrations begin in Berlin with Chancellor Olaf Scholz
At the beginning of the Jewish Festival of Lights, the first candle will be lit on a large Hanukkah candelabra at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Thursday (3.00 pm). According to the organizers, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will take part in the ceremony for the first time. Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor and the family of Yarden Roman, who was temporarily held hostage by the terrorist organization Hamas, have also been announced. Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner will give a welcoming address.
This year, the organizers also want to call for the protection of Jewish life. Following the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7, hundreds of anti-Semitic incidents were recorded in Germany. Many Jews report fears. The Berlin police have issued a general order for the ceremony with strict security precautions and barriers around the Brandenburg Gate.
Hanukkah commemorates the re-dedication of the second temple in Jerusalem after a revolt against the Greeks in 164 BC and the "miracle of light" of a candelabrum burning for eight days. The festival also lasts eight days, this year until December 15. Every day, another light is lit on the candelabrum known as Hanukkah. The religious background has nothing to do with Christmas, but the message and symbols are similar: light in the dark season and family celebrations with gifts.
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Source: www.stern.de
