The Jewish Community of Thessaloniki has organized on-line candle lighting ceremonies via zoom and facebook, on daily basis. The first candle was lit on December 10, 2020, by the President of the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece, the country’s EJC affiliate and of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, Mr David Saltiel, and the Mayor of Thessaloniki Mr Konstantinos Zervas, with the participation of Rabbi Aaron Israel and many Community members who joined in via zoom.
Mr Saltiel stressed the peculiarity of this year’s festivity, celebrated remotely, and wished for a brighter future. “Light and hope is what the Maccabees fought for, and this is their message to us, not to lose hope because even a slightest glimmer is enough to dissolve a dense darkness”, Saltiel said. Then he welcomed the Mayor who constantly for the past two years joins the Hanukkah candle lighting in Thessaloniki.
Mayor Zervas expressed his joy and pointed out that he considers his participation at the celebration as a privilege. He wished a Happy Hanukkah to the Community and referred to “the miracle of light dispelling darkness which has a special meaning this year, when we all need to pray for the safe return of the normality and of all the things we cherish, hoping that soon we will be able to celebrate all festivities together”.
