Ukraine Jews mark 'Festival of Lights' amid blackouts
War-weary Ukrainian Jews gathered on Sunday for prayer and candle-lighting ceremonies to kick off Hannukah, the so-called Festival of Lights, vowing to overcome blackouts caused by persistent Russian bombardment.
In the capital's iconic Independence Square, known as the Maidan, worshippers huddled together for warmth near what officials claimed was the largest Hannukah menorah -- a nine-branched candelabrum -- in Europe.
The annual, eight-night "Festival of Lights" commemorates the rebellion of Maccabee Jews against formidable Greek-Syrian forces beginning in 167 BC, an event that some believers say included a number of miracles pointing to divine providence.
The chief rabbi of Ukraine and Kyiv, Moshe Reuven Azman, told AFP the story behind the wintertime festival held "valuable lessons" for Ukraine in its resistance to ongoing Russian attacks.
Ukrainian Jews marked the beginning of Hannukah with candle-lighting and a large menorah, amid blackouts caused by persistant bombardment
© Oleksandr GIMANOV
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