World’s largest Menorah in the Netherlands

Official lighting on Thursday December 18th 2014

World Jewry will celebrate Hannukah this year from the 17th till the 24th of December. During this holiday they commemorate the miracle of the oil and the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem 164 BCE. Hannukah is celebrated by lighting the Menorah. Every evening of the Hannukah-festival an extra candle is lit of the Hanukiah (or: Menorah), the 8-branch-candelabrum.

Lighting of the Menorah in 2013

Several Dutch Jewish organizations asked Christians for Israel Netherlands to cooperate in building the largest menorah in the world again. This year the menorah will be erected in Urk, a former island in the Netherlands where the inhabitants traditionally have a strong connection with Israel and the Jewish people.

The Menorah is a huge construction of about 12 meters high. It will be officially lit on the second day of Hanukah, on Thursday December 18th at 6pm, by the Chief Rabbi of the Netherlands, Binyomin Jacobs, in the presence of several dignitaries.

The construction of the menorah is impressive. The metal frame in the form of a Magen David (Star of David) was produced by two building contractors, one of which was the chief building contractor for the restoration of the Montefiore Windmill in Jerusalem.

This unique event on December 18th is a sign of friendship and appreciation of Dutch Christians with Israel and the Jewish communities worldwide. The Menorah is a landmark that illustrates the light that Israel and the Jewish people shine to the world. It symbolizes the universal values of hope, tolerance and love.

More information (in Dutch): www.christenenvoorisrael.nl/chanoeka

Information for press
Christians for Israel Netherlands head of Communications
Sara van Oordt-Jonckheere
E-mail: saravanoordt@christenenvoorisrael.nl
Tel. +31-33-2458824

More news...