On Thursday evening, around 120 Holocaust survivors participated in a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony at Jerusalem's Western Wall. The event, marking its ninth consecutive year, was coordinated by the Claims Conference and the Western Wall Heritage Foundation.
Ceremony Highlights and Statements
Tziona Koenig-Yair, the Claims Conference vice president in Israel, addressed the survivors directly: "You show us all what personal and national resilience truly mean… We will maintain our faith and hope, and you will remain the compass for the entire Jewish people."
Greg Schneider, CEO of the Claims Conference, also spoke during the gathering: "Holocaust survivors have shown the entire world the ability to turn suffering into purpose… As we salute them today, we also commit to our responsibility to ensure that Holocaust education continues and that the lessons they fought for are never forgotten."
Dr. Anna Sapozhnikov, a survivor who came to Israel from Ukraine, recounted her experiences during the Holocaust and stressed Israel's importance to Jewish identity after such trauma.
The ceremony was attended by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, and Colette Avital, chair of the Center of Organizations of Holocaust Survivors in Israel, along with community leaders and volunteers assisting the survivors.
Connecting Historical and Contemporary Challenges
Organizers linked the ceremony to recent events, including the October 7 attacks and a global increase in antisemitic incidents over the past two years. They noted that thousands of antisemitic acts have been reported worldwide since October 7, highlighting the need for ongoing public awareness and educational efforts.
This annual event at the Western Wall aims to foster continuity and intergenerational responsibility in preserving survivor testimonies and promoting Holocaust education. The Claims Conference continues to support survivor welfare and educational programs globally, including new initiatives this year to provide social connections for survivors.
