Chanukah events took place throughout the city of Kiev, with many public Menorah lightings in shopping centers, homes, a Chanukah on Ice event, at the Parliament, and more.
On the first night of Chanukah, over 350 people participated in a public Menorah lighting at an ice skating rink. Parents of students in Ohr Avner Chabad, special guests and others participated.
Rabbi Yonasan Markowitz, Chief Rabbi of Kiev, lit the Menorah and spoke about the meaning of the holiday and how a small amount of light can dispel much darkness.
Throughout Chanukah, dozens of Menorah lightings were held in the homes of local community members by Rabbi Simcha Shteinberg, with the help of bochurim who traveled to the city to assist with the programs.
On the eighth day of Chanukah, a large Menorah was lit in the city’s central Park, next to the Parliament building. Just a few years ago, Jews could barely walk freely in the area, and now a massive Menorah lighting took place at the same location.
In attendance were Rabbi Yonasan Markowitz and the Mayor of Kiev – world champion boxer Mr. Vitali Klitschko, the Israeli Consul to Ukraine Mr. Oleg Vishnyakov, head of Israeli communication in Ukraine Mr. Shmuel Polischuk, the local Police spokesman and members of the Kiev Jewish community.
Mayor Klitschko spoke about the holiday of Chanukah and the connection to Jewish education.
He asked all the people in the crowd to add in light especially during the delicate situation in Ukraine at this time.
Great Shliach in Kiev!!
Hatzlacha in everything you do!!