Friday, / March 29, 2024
Home / news

Council of Europe Leader Honors Chanukah

By , Strasbourg, France

Chanukah, it turns out, is a favorite with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland. He joined Chabad-Lubavitch of Strasbourg, France, led by Rabbis Shimon and Mendel Samama, at the lighting of a thirty-foot menorah at the center of the Place de Bordeaux.

“Chanukah is my personal holiday, the message is to share the light and religious freedom and this is one of our main purposes at the Council of Europe, to share tolerance and to be understanding of others,” Jagland, who lit the shamash the menorah’s assistant candle, told a crowd of some 800 who came to celebrate.

The Secretary General takes a leading role in the Human Rights, democracy and state of law in Europe, and has defended religious freedom and Jewish observance at a time when many European countries are challenging Jewish ritual observances such as circumcision and schechita—or kosher animal slaughter.

Jagland is, also the president of the Nobel Peace Prize committee, wished the people a “Chanukah Sameach!”

 

Comment

Be the first to write a comment.

Add

Related Articles
Baltimore’s City Hall Unveils Large Menorah
When a Chabad rabbi visiting Baltimore’s city hall last year Chanukah was greeted by a small menorah dwarfed by the dominating seasonal displays, he suggested…
Menorah at the Kremlin
At the Kremlin, Aleksander Torshin, Acting Chairman of the Russian Parliament, lit the shamash candle, and congratulated thousands of Jews celebrating Chanukah. “Mazel Tov and…
German Interior Minister Notes Berlin Chanukah Miracle
At the Brandenburger Gate, where Germans once marked the rise of the Nazi party and Hitler announced his plans to make the world Judenrein, thousands…
Chanukah at Sporting Events
This year’s Chanukah will be celebrated at more than a dozen sporting venues. To read about these, go to As American as Apple Pie: Chanukah…
Texas Gov’s Most Memorable Moment: Dancing with the Rabbis
“It’s been fun,” Governor Rick Perry told reporters of his life as Governor. “Some of you got to watch [my son] Griffin walk in the…
Jewish Service Members Convene for Shabbat Renewal
Chabad’s Aleph Institute Welcomes Jewish Members of the Military for Five Days of Renewal
#LightForIsrael Campaign Encourages Millions to Respond to Darkness With the Light of Shabbat Candles
Influencers and Shluchim Spread the Word as Shabbat Candles are Lit in Solidarity with Israel
Memories of Sukkot 1991
Sukkot 1991 was different. The crowds were enormous. But this time, the Rebbe remained standing in the sukkah for the next six and a half…
It’s A Lemon. It’s An Orange. It’s An Esrog!
It may bear resemblance to its cousins, but the esrog is no simple citrus.
Newsletter
Donate
Find Your Local Chabad Center
Magazine