The Jewish Community of Iceland marked the first night of Hanukkah yesterday evening with its annual public menorah lighting ceremony on Laugavegur, held for the eighth consecutive year.
The event was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, who lit the menorah and delivered a speech expressing support for the Jewish community in Iceland and a clear condemnation of antisemitism.
In her remarks, the minister also addressed the deadly antisemitic terrorist attack that took place earlier the same day in Sydney.
Hanukkah in Reykjavík
The ceremony was organised by the Jewish Community of Iceland with the support of Reykjavíkurborg and the Reykjavík Metropolitan Police, whose cooperation organisers described as essential to the event’s success.
Rabbi Avraham Feldman, speaking in both Icelandic and English, reflected on the significance of Hanukkah (Chanukah) in light of contemporary events.
“Today’s attack in Sydney reminds us that darkness is not only something we remember from history books. It still exists in our world, appearing suddenly and violently,” he said.
“Hanukkah does not ask us to deny that darkness. Instead, Hanukkah teaches us that each of us can create light and positivity. Even a small light pushes away a lot of darkness. And when many lights stand together, we outshine the darkness.”
“As Jews, we don’t let those who hate us define us,” Rabbi Feldman continued. “We live because we carry a flame that has burned for over 3,000 years.”
