Thousands Watch as Menorah Lit at Brandenburg Gate

The celebration of Chanukah in Germany started with lighting the Menorah in the heart of Berlin – at the iconic Brandenburg Gate.

It was attended by the federal interior minister of Germany Dr. Thomas de Maiziere, The governing mayor of Berlin Michael Muller, as well by many other prominent guests from the German government.

The event was attended as well by the ambassadors from Mexico, Netherlands, Austria, Hungary Poland, Slovenia and many other countries.

More than 2,000 spectators gathered to watch the historic event.

The picturesque ceremony of lighting the first candle was conducted by Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal of the  Chabad Jewish Educational Center, Thomas de Maiziere, German Federal Minister of the Interior, Mayor of Berlin Michael Muller, and the Ambassador of Israel in Germany Yakov Hadas-Handelsman.

“Where we stand is not far from the holocaust memorial, and it is indeed a miracle that only a few decades later Jewish life is flourishing in Berlin,” noted Mr.Thomas de Maiziere in his speech.

Chanukah at the Brandenburg Gate has become a very powerful symbol, which draws the annual attention of the international community.

Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, rabbi of the Jewish community of Berlin, remarked “this is the answer of the Jewish people, exactly where Hitler stood 70 years ago and announced his dark plans for the Jewish people, the Jewish nation reacts with lightning a candle, overcoming darkness with light.”

Across Berlin 20 public Menorahs stand tall at all major intersections, bringing joy and the holiday spirit to all.