New York – 8 December 2023
Last night as the sun set on the 25th day of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar, Jews around the world celebrated the beginning of Hanukkah by carrying on cherished and sacred traditions that have been part of their faith for more than two millennia.
Sadly, this year’s celebration is occurring at a particularly polarizing time and a disturbing rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia and other manifestations of bigotry motivated by religious, racial and/or ethnic intolerance. All such vile acts are utterly rejected.
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations remains committed to advancing interreligious and intercultural understanding through strengthening dialogue and robust partnerships. We remain steadfast in our advocacy of the sanctity of religious sites and the right of believers to access their holy sites and to practice their religious rituals freely and peacefully.
May all Jewish communities around the world find solace in the eternal Hanukkah message of light and hope.
May the eternal power of light open our hearts and guide our souls out of the darkness towards our common humanity.
Chag Hanukkah Sameach.