The Jewish religious community mourns with its brothers and sisters from Australia after the horrific attack that took place in that country, said the Chief Rabbi of Montenegro, Ari Edelkopf.
This was announced today by the Religious Community of Jews of Montenegro.
As stated in the statement, the Hanukkah celebration began on Sunday in Podgorica at Argetina Square with the lighting of a five-meter-high Menorah.
The religious community added that the first day of marking one of the greatest holidays in Jewish tradition was spent paying tribute to at least 16 people who died on a beach in Sydney during the Hanukkah celebration.
"We mourn together with our brothers and sisters from Australia after hearing the tragic news from Sydney. Light always wins. Death and darkness are only defeated when we add a little more light and goodness to our lives. That is the main message of Hanukkah - more light to defeat darkness," said Edelkopf.
He added that the Menorah was lit in "honor of those who were torn from us in a brutal and tragic way."
"We need to be better people and show the light to everyone," he said.
The Religious Community of Jews of Montenegro stressed that Hanukkah, "one of the greatest Jewish holidays", symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, courage over obstacles and faith in the power of togetherness, and that, in the spirit of tradition and tolerance, "this gathering is an opportunity to celebrate the values that unite us."
Edelkopf reminded that Hanukkah candles are lit at doors and windows, not in a closed room.
"They are also lit in squares around the world, so that everyone can see them. Why? Because they don't hide and don't try to adapt to others. They simply shine and that's exactly why they are special. We can try to be like everyone else — to fit in and hide what makes us different. But then we become just one small light bulb among many, and when the power goes out, our world goes out too. And we can be like Hanukkah candles — to shine from within, not to be ashamed of ourselves and not to hide what makes us special," he said.
The Hanukkah celebration in Podgorica, as stated in the statement, was attended by numerous ambassadors, in addition to members of the Jewish Religious Community.
"The celebration of Hanukkah will be organized in other Montenegrin cities in the coming days," it concludes.
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