PM Modi and President Murmu Send Warm Hanukkah Wishes to Israeli Leaders
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New Delhi, Dec 25 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday conveyed heartfelt Hanukkah wishes to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and to the Jewish community in India and around the globe.
PM Modi shared two messages on X, written in both English and Hebrew, to celebrate the festive occasion.
"Warm wishes to PM Netanyahu and all those worldwide who are celebrating Hanukkah. May the light of Hanukkah bring hope, peace, and strength into everyone’s lives. Hanukkah Sameach!" PM Modi expressed.
Earlier that day, President Droupadi Murmu also extended her greetings to everyone, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog, on this significant occasion.
"I send my warmest wishes to President Isaac Herzog and to people everywhere celebrating Hanukkah," the President of India shared on X.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, who is currently visiting the United States, also sent his wishes for the occasion, including to his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar.
"Warmest Hanukkah greetings to FM Gidon Saar, friends in Israel, and all those celebrating globally. May this wonderful occasion bring hope, health, and happiness to everyone’s lives. Chag Sameach!" EAM Jaishankar posted.
Referring to Jaishankar as a "dear friend", the Israeli Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude for the Hanukkah wishes and his "kind words".
Hanukkah, which means "dedication" in Hebrew, commemorates the 164 BCE rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after it was desecrated by the ruling Seleucid (Syrian Greek) Kingdom under Antiochus IV. It also marks the re-establishment of religious freedom for the Jewish people after a time of severe oppression. The successful revolt led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers has since symbolized the Jewish people's struggle for and achievement of liberty and freedom as a nation against formidable odds.
This festival is celebrated over eight nights and days, commencing on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which can fall anytime between late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.
The celebration involves lighting candles on a candelabrum with nine branches, known as a menorah (or hanukkiah). One branch is typically positioned above or below the others, and its candle is used to ignite the other eight candles. Each evening, an additional candle is lit by the shamash until all eight candles shine together on the festival's final night.
