Jewish Community Iceland - Beit Tovah Chabad

Iceland Gets Its First Jewish Center - Reykjavik’s Beit Shvidler Jewish Center is first in country’s history “We dreamed of this moment for years,” Rabbi Avraham Feldman told the crowd packed into the brand new center on July 7. “And now we are sitting in this dream that has become reality.”

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

Last night we remembered the six million who were killed in the Holocaust🕯️

It was an honor and pleasure to have Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir in attendance and hear her powerful words.

As she so beautifully said: “Yom Hashoah urges us not only to look back but also to look within. We have to reflect on the world we are shaping today. At the heart of this remembrance lies the profound call to empathy, to kindness, to recognize our shared humanity in one another. To listen deeply and to care for the dignity and the suffering of others. In a world that too often feels divided, empathy is not a weakness, it is our strength.”

We heard moving stories from grandchildren of Holocaust survivors in our community, stories of hope, resilience and courage. They reminded us that we are the next link in the chain of keeping their memory and Jewish life alive.

Rabbi Feldman shared his family's Holocaust story and spoke about the importance of education rooted in values. He emphasized the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s teachings, including the idea of a "moment of silence" in schools, a setting for children to think and reflect about morals and personal responsibility. He also spoke about the Rebbe’s suggestion to keep a charity box at home, and making it a habit of giving regularly, even a small amount. As Rabbi Feldman put it: “When we give, we remember that the world is not just about me. That someone out there is in need, and I have the power to help, even in a small way. These small acts of giving train us to notice others, to see a person’s struggle and say, that’s my concern too.”

Thank you to our partners Þýska sendiráðið - Deutsche Botschaft in Reykjavik, Ambasada RP w Zagrzebiu / Veleposlanstvo Republike Poljske u Zagrebu and US Embassy Reykjavik Iceland for collaborating on organizing this event. And thank you to German Ambassador Clarrisa, Polish Ambassador Aleksander and Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy Erin for their very meaningful and profound words.

We remember and honor the memories and souls of the six million and commit to making sure never again truly means never again.

Am Yisrael chai❤️

Photo credits: Photography Gabriel Rutenberg

Despite the storm outside, we lit the Menorah in downtown Reykjavik, in unity, with joy and stregth.

Chanukah is the holiday of light winning over darkness.
Now more than ever, let’s remember that the only way to fight the darkness is with light.

Thank you Reykjavíkurborg, our mayor, Einar Þorsteinsson and Lögreglan á höfuðborgarsvæðinu.

Rabbi Avraham said so beautifully “We light the Menorah just as it gets dark, to remind us never to be afraid of the darkness. We can and must light up the night. Even a little bit of light chases away a lot of darkness. We are Am Yisrael. And Am Yisrael Chai!”

Happy Chanukah from Reykjavik!
64.1470° N
21.9408° W

Photos 📸 by Photography Gabriel Rutenberg