Hanukkah Greetings from the President of the EAJC

Dear Friends,

This evening, in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, the celebration of Hanukkah begins. This holiday embodies the triumph of faith and justice over forces that sought to strip the Jewish people of their core essence—their spirituality. Following their victory over the enemy, the Jewish people returned to the desecrated Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it.

For the Jewish people, Jerusalem is, above all, the seat of the kings of Israel, where King Solomon built the Temple, which was later rebuilt by those returning from the Babylonian exile. This city is the beating heart of our nation, and nothing can sever our bond with it. Even after being exiled from the Holy Land, Jewish people prayed daily for the restoration of Jerusalem and yearned to return.

The history of our nation remains profoundly relevant today. We live in a remarkable era in which Jewish sovereignty over Jerusalem has been restored.  I am confident that the Jewish communities of the Euro-Asian region represented in the Congress stand ready to facilitate dialogue with the leaders of their respective nations. This dialogue aims to encourage them to follow the precedent of the United States in making the only correct decision: to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish State.

Our Sages taught: "Darkness is not driven away with a stick. Yet, a single small ray of light can dispel immense darkness." Every Jewish community represents a small ray of light, contributing to the brilliant beacon that is the Jewish people.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on this warm and bright holiday of Hanukkah! Chag Sameach!

Sincerely yours,

M.M. Mirilashvili,

President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress