Zelensky lights Hanukkah candles with Ukraine’s rabbis

Zelensky and Ukraine's rabbis. Photo: Screenshot from video t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

On December 25, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hosted Ukraine’s rabbis, who congratulated him on Hanukkah. According to the official Telegram channel of the president, they lit the Hanukkah candles together.

“Today is both Christmas and the beginning of Hanukkah. It is very good that in Ukraine we can celebrate such holidays with mutual respect, communicate, live together, and wish different people the same victory – the victory of light over darkness,” the president said.

In a comment accompanying the video, Zelensky wrote: “I lit Hanukkah candles together with Ukraine’s rabbis.”

“I congratulate the Jewish community on the holiday. I wish Jewish families peace, joy, and generous fortune. May the Hanukkiah shine in every home, give strength, and fill hearts with new hopes, strengthening faith in the power of truth and justice,” the statement read.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Zelensky stated that, for the second time in modern history, Christmas unites all Ukrainians.

Read also

Abp. Alexei: How to Pray as a Family

"If a family prays together," His Eminence said, "the household becomes a little tower in that vineyard."

Pat. Bartholomew Honors U.S. Traditions, Greek Heritage in Washington Visit

Bartholomew lays wreath at Arlington, meets with U.S. leaders, and blesses faithful in Virginia.

Police Return Relics of St. Raphael to St. Vladimir's Seminary

Yonkers officers, K9 unit honored with blessing and thanksgiving at the seminary.

Conference to Celebrate 100 Years of ROCOR in Germany

The event will take place from May 6-8, 2026 at the historic Blutenburg Castle near St. Job of Pochaev Monastery near Munich.

Patriarch of Alexandria Baptizes 100 in Madagascar

During his homily, Theodore II called baptism “the new birth of man."

Patriarch of Jerusalem Meets with President of Turkey

Theophilos III met with Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Constantinople. The following day, back in Jerusalem, Theophilos granted an audience to (among others) Abp. Nathanael of the Ethiopian Church in Jerusalem.