Head of Ukraine's National Guard lights Hanukkah menorah

Rabbi and National Guard Commander light the menorah. Photo: Facebook of Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi

On December 27, 2024, Brigadier General Oleksandr Pivnenko, Commander of Ukraine’s National Guard, lit a Hanukkah menorah in his office, according to a Facebook post by Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi, Moshe Reuven Asman.

He stated that "Hanukkah reminds us of the victory of light over darkness," and that the National Guard "is one of the shields protecting the people of Ukraine, providing confidence in a secure future."

"May the light of the Hanukkah candles and the miracle of Hanukkah protect and support all the brave soldiers of the National Guard!" concluded the rabbi.

Previously, the UOJ reported that President Volodymyr Zelensky lit a Hanukkah menorah at the Presidential Office, Vitali Klitschko lit the largest menorah in Europe on Maidan Square, Kyrylo Budanov lit a menorah made from missile fragments, and Klitschko and Budanov lit a menorah together in a synagogue.

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