The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov attended the celebration of the Jewish Holiday of Light – Hanukkah, organized by the Jewish community in Macedonia.

The President was given the honor to light the first Hanukkah candle in the yard of the community and afterwards attended the Hanukkah service at the synagogue Bet Yaakov, followed by the performance of three spiritual songs of the “Mois Hason” choir.

As part of the celebration, the children, members of the Jewish Community Children’s Club, prepared a special Hanukkah choir programme, according to the traditional Jewish customs.

The celebration of Hanukkah in Skopje was also attended by the US Ambassador Paul Wohlers and other guests.

The Hanukkah holiday is celebrated as a commemoration of the liberation struggle of the Jewish people on the territory of ancient Israel, in defence of Jewish self-awareness and religious uniqueness. Hanukkah is primarily a family holiday; the candles in the family are lit each night during the eight days, special blessings are read and psalms are sung.