Amid Crisis – Chanukah Lights Shine Bright in Kharkiv

Despite the ongoing crisis, the Jewish community of Kharkiv, Ukraine, once again celebrated Chanukah with resilience and joy. A festive motorcade, featuring dozens of cars adorned with rooftop menorahs, made its way through the city streets, bringing light and joy to its residents. Public spaces—including streets, shopping centers, and the city’s subway—were illuminated by ten large menorahs and eye-catching billboards sharing the message of Chanukah.

At the first candle-lighting ceremony held in the central synagogue on Sunday, the community paused to acknowledge the tragic events in Sydney. Rabbi Moshe Moskovitz addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of increasing acts of goodness and kindness in the face of darkness. In a moving moment of solidarity, the hundreds gathered joined in the “Shema Yisrael” prayer for the victims and those injured.

Throughout the week, thousands of doughnuts and hundreds of menorahs were distributed in malls and subway stations, while Chabad emissaries ensured the light of Chanukah reached Jewish inmates, hospital patients, and those confined to their homes.

Once again, Kharkiv’s Chanukah celebrations serve as a powerful reminder: the light of Chanukah cannot be extinguished.