The Israeli Community of Thessaloniki has scheduled a daily online lighting of the Hanukkah candles through the zoom online platform and live streaming through the I.K. Thessaloniki on Facebook.
The lighting of the first Hanukkah candle took place on Thursday, December 10, 2020 by the President of the Central Jewish Council of Greece and the Israelite Community of Thessaloniki, Mr. David Saltiel and the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Mr. Konstantinos Zerva, with the online participation of the Most Wise Rabbi, Mr. Israel, as well and a crowd of people.
Mr. Saltiel pointed out that this year's celebration has the peculiarity of being celebrated from afar and wished the future to be bright, stressing that the Maccabees fought for light and hope and this message was sent to us, not to lose hope because one is enough small ray of light to dispel even the thickest darkness. Afterwards, Mr. Saltiel welcomed the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Mr. Zervas, who for the second consecutive year is participating in the lighting of the Hanukkah candles.
Mr. Zervas emphasized that it is a joy and a privilege for him to participate in this celebration and wished everyone a happy Hanukkah stating that the miracle of light came to dispel the darkness and emphasized the special symbolism of this year, where all of us must to pray to bring back all that we love and soon we can all be together, in physical presence, to celebrate all the holidays.