Amid missiles and war, Jewish resilience shines, backed by Israel’s values, allies, and unwavering faith.
Renowned American filmmaker Andrew Cohen, based in New York and currently residing in Geneva, has arrived in Ukraine to produce a documentary capturing life under the shadow of war. While touring Jewish communities with his crew, Cohen reached Kyiv last Sunday and sought to light a Hanukkah candle—only to face indifference from hotel lobby staff.
In a moment symbolic of Jewish survival against all odds, Rabbi Rafael Rotman, rabbi of a Chabad synagogue in Kyiv and vice chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, unexpectedly entered the lobby. Upon learning Cohen was Jewish, Rabbi Rotman ensured the mitzvah was fulfilled. Moved to tears, Cohen described the encounter as his “Hanukkah miracle.”
Each year, Rabbi Rotman oversees the placement of large menorahs in Kyiv’s major hotels, safeguarding Jewish religious life even during wartime. This year, after a Russian missile damaged the warehouse storing the menorahs, larger and more prominent menorahs were installed—sending a powerful message that Jewish identity, like Israel itself, grows stronger under attack.
On the third night of Hanukkah, a public lighting ceremony was held at Maidan Square, attended by Julie Davis, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy, and Piotr Łukasiewicz. The menorah was later lit by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, underscoring democratic solidarity with Jewish life and values.
A further candle-lighting took place in the office of Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, with the participation of Rabbi Mayer Stambler, Rabbi Rotman, and the Beit Wolf emissary brothers—Rabbi Avraham Raba and Rabbi Yossi Raba.
As Israel and Jewish communities worldwide confront rising extremism and moral double standards, the menorahs of Kyiv stand as a defiant declaration: Jewish light will not be extinguished—by missiles, hatred, or silence.
