The word Hanukkah has a lot of interpretations. The common one would be INAUGURATION since we celebrate this holiday not only the victory of the rebelling Jews on ancient Greeks but the regaining of Jewish sovereignty over our ancient territory and the re-inauguration of our desecrated Temple. This would not be possible without the miracle that permitted a very small quantity of oil to burn and give light during eight consecutive days.
This is the reason why Hanuka became a symbol of miracles, hope, light and new beginnings. For me, as the new Ambassador of Israel to Serbia, inauguration and new beginning have special significance and I am honored to share this precious moment with you, all. My beginning here would not be the same without your support, help and your warm welcoming to which I am grateful.
We light candles not only to praise God for his miracle of the Temple more than 2000 years ago but for all the miracles that have kept Jews alive for thousands of years, far from their homeland, scattered and persecuted. In long period of our history, the light of Hanuka has been our only symbol of hope for a better future.
Today, Jews live in very different situation and environment thanks to the existence of the State of Israel. For us, its establishment and survival as a democratic and Jewish state is the biggest miracle. But none of these past and present miracles would have happened without human spirit and determination to struggle for the values and principles we believe in.
Freedom, sovereignty and dignity are part of the achievements of humankind that we are celebrating tonight too. The candles are here to remind us that our destiny is in our hands and we can create our own everyday miracles. Even in the darkest moments, we should find our own inner light that will guide us. This light will increase daily as in Hanuka where each day we accumulate another candle as if we are adding more beauty and kindness to the world.
This is the significance of being OR LAGOIM, light to other nations, a huge responsibility to take upon our shoulders. In this holiday, we wish to spread the light and contribute our share for a better, safer and prosperous world. Looking into the reality that surrounds us, this is not an easy task. Terror in Germany, France, Turkey or Israel, radicalization, hatred or incitement along poverty and natural catastrophes are the real threat that the world should fight against together. Last week resolution in the Security Council is not the right step toward this end. This is why it left Israel with a strong feeling of frustration and anger.
The proximity of Hanuka to Christmas and New Year has turned it to be the symbol of religious tolerance and mutual understanding. This message of tolerance, hope and new beginning is the one that we are conveying tonight in Belgrade. Surrounded by friends and united in this message of light and hope, I would like to invite Rabbi Asiel of the Jewish community to make Hanuka blessings. I would like to invite some dear friends to light the candles of Hanuka and kindly ask each one of them to share with us their inner light and personal messages of hope.
Let me wish you all happy Hanuka, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We spread several Hanuka candles in the house so that each one of you can take part in this experience and make his or her own wish for the New Year. You are also invited to taste the traditional chocolate coins and to experience the traditional play of dreidels and share it with your families at home.
Let us have a toast for prosperity and peace in Israel and in Serbia and for the friendship between our peoples.