The Jews are celebrating Hanuka or the Feast of Lights, which is one of the most important Jewish holidays that lasts for eight days. In Chisinau, the representatives of the Jewish community lit candles on the menorah – a candle holding object that is considered one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish people, IPN reports.
In the official ceremony in the evening of November 27, the head of the Jewish community of Moldova Alexandru Bilinkis said that Hanuka symbolizes kindness and light. “It is a great joy for us to come together and celebrate the holiday of all the Jews,” he stated.
The deputy head of the Jewish community Daniel Muntean said that it became a tradition all over the world for the candles to be lit on November 27 as a symbol of the victory of the powerful people against the weak ones, of justice against lie. During eight days, the Jews in every home lit by a candle. The housewives prepare dishes typical of the feast.
Romanian Ambassador to Moldova Marius Lazurca, who was invited to the event, wished the attending Jews a happy holiday.
U.S. Ambassador to Moldova William H. Moser said it was an honor for him to celebrate alongside the Jews of Moldova. He stated that the U.S. President Barak Obama lit candles in the square of the White House together with the Jews from the United States.
Mayor General of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca apologized in the name of the municipality and his name for the fact that Hanuka couldn’t be publicly celebrated in Chisinau for many years. He wished the Moldovan Jews a nice holiday and harmony in the family.
There are about 5,000 Jews living in Moldova.
