8th Day of Hannukaha Celebrated in Sofia Synagogue, Parliament Chair, President, Sofia Mayor Attend

The 8th day of Hannukah at the Sofia Synagogue, December 14, 2023 (BTA Photo)

Sofia,

14.12.2023 20:34

(BTA)

Parliament Chair Rossen Zhelyazkov, President Rumen Radev and Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev Thursday attended a ritual on the 8th day of Hannukah in the Sofia Synagogue. At the beginning of the ceremony, four-year-old Hannah brought the Shamash, the candle that is used to light the candles on the Hanukkah menorah.

The opening remarks were delivered by the Chair of the Central Jewish Spiritual Council, Maxim Delchev. He said that this year is not like last year even though the menorah is here again. "This year we light candles because we need more light. [...] Let us turn to our hearts and light the candle there and pass it on to those around us," he said.

President Radev lit the first candle. He said that "light always wins over darkness when there are courageous people who don't hesitate to fight to it." He also said: "This holiday many Jews around the world experience insecurity and anxiety. We witnessed unprecedented terrorist attacks against the State of Israel that have claimed many lives. People were kidnapped and the fate of many remains unknown. We share the concerns about the fate of all innocent victims." He expressed hope that peace will prevail soon. He called for creating conditions for "a just and sustainable two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for all". "Our sincere hope is that there will be no more innocent peaceful victims on both sides," President Radev said.

National Assembly Chair Zhelyazkov lit the second candle. "Despite our religious differences, we stand together in our humanism, our struggle and our belief that good will overcome evil," said he.

Mayor Vassil Terziev lit the third candle. He told the congregation that this is a celebration honoring the miracle of life and a celebration of hope. "For us and for our friends in the Jewish community, this year's Hannukah is shrouded in sadness caused by the lives lost in the wake of terrorist attacks on innocent civilians. The symbol of the flame that never goes out reminds us that in the darkness of life we can always find the light of hope."

The remaining candles were lit by the Ambassador of Israel in Bulgaria Yosef Levi Sfari, Bulgarian Justice MinisterAtanas Slavov, the Chairman of the Organization of Bulgarian Jews in Israel, Ino Yitzhak, Gon Susana from the Kfar Aza kibbutz and the Chairman of the Shalom Organization of Jews in Bulgaria, Prof. Dr. Alexander Oscar. Gon Susana is one of the survivors of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Kfar Aza along with his family - his wife Tohar Susana and their seven-month-old baby girl Sheran.

After the lighting of the candles, Rav Yoel Yifrach said blessings and a prayer for the prosperity of Bulgaria and Israel. The ceremony ended with the anthems of the two countries and a special light show.

The ceremony was also attended by MPs, representatives of the Council of Ministers, diplomatic missions in Bulgaria, religious denominations and other officials.

/DT/