Moroccans and international communities light Hanukkah 2024 candles in Amsterdam West (video)
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Tarek Abla from Amsterdam
In an atmosphere full of warmth and brotherhood, many members of the Arab and Jewish communities gathered yesterday at the headquarters of the Friendship Association in Amsterdam West to celebrate Hanukkah 2024.
The event, organized at the invitation of the association, constituted a platform for rapprochement between different cultures and nationalities, and highlighted the historical links which unite Moroccan Jews and Moroccan society.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC, following its liberation from Seleucid control.
The holiday is characterized by the lighting of candles on a special menorah called “Hanukiyah”, where an additional candle is lit each night until all eight candles are finished. This holiday symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and of faith over oppression, and is an opportunity to promote the values of courage and solidarity.
Hanukkah is also linked to Morocco through the history of Moroccan Jews who have preserved their traditions and customs through generations. This heritage is an integral part of Moroccan multicultural identity.
The meeting was opened by Mr. Mohamed Al-Masri, President of the Friendship Society, with a welcome speech addressed to the participants.
He thanked everyone for responding to the invitation and praised the importance of this type of event in strengthening the bonds of love and cooperation between different communities.
In his speech, he discussed the history of Hanukkah and its religious and cultural dimensions, emphasizing the link of this holiday with Moroccan Jews, who are part of the Moroccan cultural fabric.
After the opening speech, participants had the opportunity to share their personal stories and experiences about life in the Netherlands. Speakers highlighted the challenges faced by some members of the community, particularly those suffering from legal or social difficulties.
Questions were also raised regarding the provision of support and assistance to those in need, whether in resolving their legal status or providing material and moral assistance.
One of the most notable outcomes of the meeting was the collective agreement on the need to strengthen cooperation between different communities to help those in need.
Initiatives were proposed to support people suffering from unstable legal situations, in addition to creating a social support network that would facilitate the community’s access to necessary support.
The meeting ended in an atmosphere of joy, as participants expressed their satisfaction and pride in belonging to this diverse community that brings together cultures and religions in a spirit of mutual respect.
All stressed the importance of continuing these meetings which strengthen human bonds and contribute to building a cohesive and united society.
It should be noted that this event is part of a series of activities organized by the Friendship Association to promote the values of tolerance and coexistence in Amsterdam Oost, making it a living example of cultural diversity which the Netherlands abounds in.
