This year, the Hanukkah celebration began on the evening of December 25, 2024, and concludes today on the eighth day, January 2, 2025.

Present at the symbolic ceremony were Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by his son Zaho, the Ambassador of Israel to Tirana, Galit Peleg, the Chief Rabbi of Albania, Yoel Kaplan, Jews from the USA, Israel, and Europe, as well as members of the Jewish community.

In his holiday greetings, Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted that Jews are always welcome in Albania.

“A small community, but one of great significance. I see many familiar and friendly faces here. I extend my best wishes to everyone present and their families, as the lighting of the eighth candle of Hanukkah coincides with the first day of the New Year. Ambassador Galit is a dear friend, representing Israel here in Albania with dignity and an abundance of positive energy. I would also like to welcome the new Jewish arrivals to this celebration, as they are warmly welcomed in Albania. May God bless you all, may God bless Albania, and may God bless Jews everywhere,” said Rama.

In her address, Israeli Ambassador Galit Peleg highlighted Albania’s significant support, proudly describing it as the most welcoming country in the world towards Israel, and praised Prime Minister Rama and the Albanian government for fostering a warm and hospitable atmosphere.

In her speech, Ambassador Peleg shared her heartfelt emotions about being present and lighting the Hanukkah candles. “It is truly emotional for me to be here tonight and light the Hanukkah lights. It is no secret that the rabbi is very positive and radiates a lot of light. We are probably in the friendliest country in the world towards Israel. The friendship between Israel and Albania is stronger than ever,” said Ambassador Peleg. In her touching address, she also prayed for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

During the Holocaust, Albania provided shelter and food to a number of Jewish refugees from Germany, Austria, Croatia, and Serbia. Albania is one of the few countries in Europe that had more Jews during World War II than in 1939.

The ceremony organized by the Tirana Synagogue began with a short documentary film about the celebration of Hanukkah around the world. /j.p/sm/