15/12/2025
At the annual Chanukah celebration on Laugavegur, our hearts were with the Jewish community in Sydney.
We had the honor and pleasure of welcoming Minister of Foreign Affairs Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, who lit the menorah and delivered a thoughtful speech expressing her support for the Jewish community and Jewish celebration, as well as a clear stand against antisemitism and a condemnation of the antisemitic terrorist attack in Sydney.
Rabbi Avraham Feldman shared that today’s attack in Sydney reminds us that darkness is not only something we remember from history books. It still exists in our world, appearing suddenly and violently. Chanukah does not ask us to deny that darkness. Instead, Chanukah teaches that each of us can create light and positivity. Even a small light pushes away a lot of darkness, and when many lights stand together, we outshine the darkness. As Jews, we do not let those who hate us define us. We do not live as a response to hatred. We live because we carry a flame that has burned for more than 3000 years. May the lights of Chanukah bring comfort to those affected in Sydney and strength to all who feel vulnerable now.
We extend our sincere thanks to Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir and Reykjavíkurborg for their support in making this annual celebration possible, as well as to the Reykjavík police Lögreglan á höfuðborgarsvæðinu, whose support and cooperation are appreciated at this event and throughout the year.
Thank you to our dear community, friends, ambassadors and dignitaries who came out to celebrate Chanukah together, and to the volunteers whose time and effort made it possible.
Photo credits: Photography Gabriel Rutenberg