Dear Friends,
As Hanukkah approaches, we extend to you our warmest greetings.
This year, the Festival of Lights carries added meaning. We express our profound relief and joy at the return of the remaining living hostages captured by Hamas in its barbaric attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and their having been reunited with their loved ones — a development we all recognize as a profound point of light. Yet our hearts remain heavy for the family of Ran Gvili, whose body is still being held captive. The World Jewish Congress will continue to advocate for the return of his remains so that he may receive the dignified burial he deserves.
The themes at the core of the Hanukkah story — resilience, the struggle for religious freedom, and the preservation of Jewish identity — resonate even more strongly with Jews around the world today. The surge in antisemitism (often cloaked as anti-Zionism), which has manifested both online and, tragically, in the deadly violence that has targeted Jews including in their most sacred spaces, continues to pose a formidable challenge. It is one that we at the WJC are dedicated to confronting daily, and we remain committed to supporting Jewish communities as they also deal with these challenges.
As we kindle the Hanukkiah, may its bright light dispel the darkness of hatred and reflect the enduring pride of the Jewish people in their heritage. May it inspire Jews worldwide to act with courage and conviction, affirming that our identity and our spirit will not — and cannot — be extinguished.
Wishing you and yours a Hanukkah Sameach,
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