Mainz Celebrates Chanukkah - A Symbol for Jewish Life - Mainz Celebrates Chanukkah - A Symbol for Jewish Life
A public celebration of Hanukkah took place in Mainz, Germany, marking the Jewish Festival of Lights. The event brought together state officials and members of the local Jewish community in a show of unity and remembrance.
The gathering occurred just a week after a deadly terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. That assault left 15 people dead and dozens injured, casting a shadow over this year’s festivities.
Interior Minister Michael Ebling of the SPD attended the Mainz event and spoke about the importance of Jewish life in the region. He described it as vibrant, visible, and deeply rooted in Rhineland-Palatinate. Ebling also stressed the need for protection and solidarity, particularly after recent attacks on Jewish communities worldwide. During Hanukkah, an eight-day festival, an additional candle is lit on the menorah each evening. The lights represent faith, hope, and the freedom to practise one’s religion openly. Traditional foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot, are also enjoyed as part of the celebrations. Representatives from the Rhineland-Palatinate state government joined local Jewish leaders at the event. While the name of the community figure who lit the candles was not disclosed, the ceremony itself stood as a defiant act of cultural pride.
The Mainz celebration served as both a festive occasion and a statement against rising antisemitism. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Jewish life in the state. The event concluded with a renewed call for vigilance and support in the face of ongoing threats.
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