Thousands Celebrate Chanukah at Dutch Royal Palace

This year, once again, close to a thousand people attended the annual Menorah lighting in Amsterdam’s Dam Square, the most famous square in Holland, located in front of the royal palace.

Head Shliach and Chief Rabbi Binyomin Jacobs addressed the crowd, followed by Israeli ambassador Chaim Divon, who spoke very warmly to the Jewish community and even took part in the joyous dancing after the lighting.

The deputy mayor of Amsterdam addressed the crowd, then lit the shamash, which the Israeli ambassador used to light the rest of the candles.

This event was organized by Shliach Rabbi Menachem Evers, and was attended as well by several leaders of the Amsterdam Jewish community.

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8 Comments

  • dutch jew

    even though the event was very nice, it was attended by about 300 people (and not thousands…).

    take note that the “religious” impression the photos posted here are not at all representative of the public that attended the event. a bus load of yeshiva bochers from paris were brought to the event. There is no large hareidi (or dati) community in amsterdam. the majority of those photographed were “bussed” in from abroad

    but still.. Menachem did a great job. kol hakavod.

  • Dutch Jew

    I was there as well at these beautiful event, and there were at least 600 people!
    Kol hakawod!

  • You go Dutchie!!

    wat ben ji een pessimist! Dit is heel erg bijzonder dat dit zomaar kan in Amsterdam.

    You are such a pessimist! This is a very special thing to just have such a public forum in Amsterdam.

    Menachem, harstikke goed van je, oud klasgenootje.

  • Sarah Nemanow

    Kol hakavod!!! Heel speciale voor mij om te zien als oud hollandse. Chazak menachem evers en alle sheloechim! Sarah Nemanow, meijers.

  • kol hakavod

    wow…
    i used to live in europe and i truly understand how amazing this is.
    europe is not america…
    kol hakavod, its heartwarming to see!