Dear Friends,
I extend to you warm greetings as Hanukkah, the Festival of Light, approaches. As in the words of the traditional Hanukkah song, “We have come to banish the darkness….Each of us is a small light, but together our light is strong and bright.”
Let us remember that in the face of darkness, light always finds a way to shine through. Let us come together, as one community and one people, embracing the strength we find in each other. We are always at our best when we are united, and throughout this last year, we have seen the Jewish people come together to support one another and Israel.
“Hanukkah” literally means dedication, as it is a holiday celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Maccabees after it was destroyed by the Greco-Syrian King Antiochus. At the World Jewish Congress, we have dedicated ourselves to the well-being and security of Jewish communities around the world and have worked tirelessly in international forums to advocate for their interests and for the release of the hostages in Gaza.
As we celebrate the Festival of Lights, may the glow of the candles remind us of the enduring power of hope, resilience, and unity.
Wishing you and your families a meaningful Hanukkah.
Ronald S. Lauder
President
World Jewish Congress
