Photo by

Gabriel Rutenberg

Around one hundred people gathered on Laugavegur on Sunday to celebrate Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. The Minister for Foreign Affairs lit the menorah and delivered a speech, reports RÚV.

Chanukah was celebrated in Iceland for the eighth year in a row.

“We had the great honor and pleasure of having the participation of Minister for Foreign Affairs, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir,” said Rabbi Avraham Feldman in a statement, “who lit the menorah and delivered a beautiful speech of support for the Jewish community, Jewish culture, and a clear stand against antisemitism, and a condemnation of the terrible antisemitic terrorist attack today in Sydney.”

The rabbi was referring to the attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, which targeted the Jewish community and took the lives of 15 people.

Avraham Feldman also said he is grateful to Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir and the City of Reykjavík for their support in making this annual celebration possible, as well as to the Reykjavík Police. “Their assistance and cooperation are appreciated both at this event and throughout the year.”

During his speech at the gathering, Rabbi Avraham Feldman also said: “Today’s attack in Sydney reminds us that darkness is not only something we remember from history books. It still exists in our world, appearing suddenly and violently. Chanukah does not ask us to deny that darkness. Instead, Chanukah teaches us that each of us can create light and positivity. Even a small light pushes away a lot of darkness. And when many lights stand together, we outshine the darkness. As Jews we don’t let those who hate us define us. We don’t live as a response to those who hate us. We live because we carry a flame that has burned for over 3000 years. May the lights of Chanukah bring comfort to those affected in Sydney, and strength to all who feel vulnerable tonight.”