From Kyiv to Sydney, Jewish light shines as terror fails and Israel’s moral clarity inspires allies.
Against the grim backdrop of war in Ukraine and the shock of the antisemitic massacre in Sydney, the third Hanukkah candle was lit in Kyiv in a powerful display of Jewish resilience and international solidarity. The ceremony took place at JCC–Beit Menachem, led by Kyiv’s Chief Rabbi and Chabad emissary Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, with hundreds of local Jews in attendance despite wartime dangers.
In a striking gesture, Ukraine’s Head of Military Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov attended personally, lighting candles alongside the community. His presence conveyed a clear message: Ukraine stands with its Jewish citizens—and with Israel—against terror and hatred.
The ceremony drew senior officials and diplomats, including Israel’s Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky, members of parliament, Kyiv’s deputy mayor, and representatives from the United States, European Union, Spain, Australia, and the United Nations. In the shadow of the Sydney massacre, Australia’s Ambassador Paul Lehmann attended to underscore solidarity following global outrage over antisemitic violence.
Speaking at the event, the Australian ambassador relayed a message from Canberra: darkness is dispelled by light, and the public lighting of Hanukkah candles in Kyiv sends an unmistakable signal that terror and antisemitism will not prevail. Australia, he said, remains committed to freedom of religion and the protection of Jewish life.
Rabbi Markovitch concluded with words that echoed Jewish history and Israel’s present struggle: in times of war, threat, and terror, Jews kindle light. As then, so now—the light will prevail over those who glorify violence and target Jews worldwide.
