Georgian PM: Hanukkah celebrates triumph of good over evil, light over darkness

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Sunday highlighted the significance of Hanukkah as a celebration of the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, stating that each candle lit today warms people’s hearts - a warmth that humanity needs most in today’s world.

Speaking at the Tbilisi Synagogue, Prime Minister Kobakhidze, together with Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, members of his Government and Parliament, extended his greetings to the Jewish community, wishing them peace and prosperity on the occasion of Hanukkah.

“Hanukkah is a festival celebrating the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Today, we are reminded of our 26-century-long tradition of coexistence, friendship, and mutual respect that unites our peoples. This is a unique historical and cultural heritage with no parallel in the world. It is a legacy preserved by our ancestors, and it is our duty to safeguard it along with the special bond that exists between our communities. We cherish this deeply and will continue to do so. Every candle lit today warms people’s hearts. This is exactly what humanity needs most - more warmth and more love. I wish warmth, love, and prosperity to Israel and the Jewish people”, the PM said.

The Prime Minister also symbolically lit the first Hanukkah candle. The event at the Tbilisi Synagogue was attended by members of the Georgian Government and Parliament, the Chair of the State Agency for Religious Issues Zaza Vashakmadze, the Israeli Ambassador to Georgia Walid Abu Hayya, and representatives of the diplomatic corps.