Holocaust survivors will mark Hanukkah amid worries over war in Israel, global rise of antisemitism

The virtual Hanukkah ceremony serves as a tribute to the 6 million European Jews who were killed by the Nazis during the Holocaust. It allows survivors from around the world to come together and commemorate this dark period in history.

Several dozen survivors are gathering in-person at Jerusalem’s Western Wall, which is the holiest place for Jewish prayer. They are conducting a menorah lighting there to pay their respects and mark the festival of Hanukkah.

This year’s Hanukkah coincides with heightened tension and trauma among Jews due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The conflict began with a deadly attack by Hamas on Israel, leading to a retaliatory bombing campaign and ground offensive by Israel. This situation has added to the emotional distress for many Jewish people.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and various celebrities, including Billy Crystal, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jason Alexander, are taking part in the event. They are sharing messages and reflections on the Israel-Hamas conflict and its impact on the Jewish community.

Yes, the virtual Hanukkah celebration will be accessible to anyone worldwide. It will include captions in three languages: English, Hebrew, and Russian, making it inclusive and accessible to a global audience.