Hanukkah in The Hague: light overcomes darkness and cold

Last night (December 28, 2016) more than 1,000 people came together in The Hague to experience the fifth night of the Jewish Hanukkah feast together.

Central to this event was the largest Menorah in the world, which was positioned in front of the Peace Palace. The Peace Palace, where the International Court of Justice is located among other institutions related to international law, only became visible halfway through the afternoon when the fog lifted. This resulted in beautiful pictures during the Hanukkah event.

Wishing the Jewish community worldwide a Merry Hanukkah!

The meeting was opened by Rabbi Katzman on behalf of the Jewish community of The Hague: “On Hanukkah we kindle the lights of the menorah at home, but in a way that they can also be seen out on the streets. Today we kindle the lights out on the streets, and we do so in a symbolic place”, referring to the location of the Peace Palace. “I don’t want to talk down on the UN”, Katzman added, “but if we want to expel the darkness, we must do so by spreading light. That is what we are doing here today.”

The six lights of the menorah were kindled by Gerdi Verbeet, president of the National Committee 4th and 5th of May, and by Chief Rabbi Binyomin Jacobs. Verbeet: “I value commemorating, but at the same time appeal to remain vigilant for intolerance. Creating a society is complex and is only possible if we respect differences.” After Verbeet took care of the middle light, it was up to Rabbi Jacobs to kindle the other five lights. Mr. Lustig, as representative of the State of Israel, recited the corresponding blessing.

The mayor of The Hague, Jozias van Aartsen, also spoke kind words: “The Hague cherishes its Jewish population.” That this appreciation is mutual was underlined by the gift the Jewish Community of The Hague presented to Van Aartsen at the end of the evening.

The other speakers at the event were Gert-Jan Segers, chairman of the Dutch CU parliamentary party and Bas Belders Euro MP for the Dutch SGP party, chairman of Christians for Israel Dick Schutte and Jack van der Tang of Pillar of Fire. They all pronounced in faith and trust that the light shall overcome darkness and right shall overcome wrong.

Photo credit: Christians for Israel

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