The shock caused by the terrorist attack in Sydney did not prevent a massive Hanukkah celebration in Madrid

This was proclaimed by both the president of the Jewish Community of Madrid, Estrella Bengio, and the mayor of the capital, José Luis Martínez Almeida. But far from frightening and deterring people, the start of the festival in the Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens in the Retiro Park saw the largest attendance in recent years. 

It is true that, as the mayor pointed out, ‘it is abnormal for families to have to gather for this festival in a closed venue with exceptional security measures,’ advocating for it to return to its usual setting, outdoors in Madrid's Plaza de la Villa, so that the entire population can freely participate in a festival commemorating, above all, a part of their neighbours, ‘who are Jewish but as Spanish and Madrilenian as everyone else, whatever their ideas and beliefs,’ stressed the city councillor. 

Almeida emphasised his support for the Jewish community ‘in defending their right to have a country, to live together in peace and to fight for freedom and human rights. In the face of darkness and terror, Madrid sends a message of coexistence and welcome by celebrating events such as this.’ 

Hanukkah is one of the most heart-warming and luminous celebrations in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire of Antiochus IV Epiphanes around 165-164 BC. It also recalls the miracle of the oil, when a small amount, enough for a single day, kept the flame of the Temple burning for eight full days. Lighting each candle today is therefore a tribute to that resistance, to the hope that is reborn and to the light that is shared. 

The event, also co-organised by the Sefarad-Israel Centre, directed by José Thovar, is an invitation to experience tradition as a community. Thus, year after year, Hanukkah reminds us of the importance of memory, freedom and the spirit of coexistence. 

The celebration in Madrid evoked the fact that this December is a unique festive season, in which Hanukkah and Christmas coincide. In Israel, this translates into the illumination of many cities from north to south, with markets, shows and multicultural celebrations, highlighting the coexistence of Jewish and Christian traditions and creating a bright, joyful and welcoming atmosphere.

Jerusalem thus claims to become the epicentre of light and spirituality, with menorah lighting ceremonies during the eight days of Hanukkah, Christmas markets at the New Gate and multicoloured decorations enveloping the Old City and the Christian Quarter.