The presence of Ursula von der Leyen at the celebration of Chanukah, one of the most popular Jewish holidays worldwide, comes only a few weeks after the publication of te first-ever European Commission Strategy on combating growing antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.

For the first time, a president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will celebrate the Jewish festival of lights and light a Chanukah candle in a live outdoor ceremony on Thursday.

The lighting of the fifth cande of the Menorah by the EU leader will take place on Rond Point Schuman, in front of the Berlaymont, the seat of the European Commission in Brussels.

The public event, called EuroChanukah, is organized every year by the European Jewish Community Centre (EJCC) in partnership with the European Jewish Association. This event is officially included in the cultural agenda of the city of Brussels. The city mayor, Philippe Close, will also light a candle on Thursday.

The presence of Ursula von der Leyen at the celebration of Chanukah, one of the most popular Jewish holidays worldwide, comes only a few weeks after the publication of te first-ever European Commission Strategy on combating growing antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, ‘’is a strong message to public authorities and Jewish communities across Europe, reaffirming the importance and place of the Jewish culture in European society and their commitment to ensuring that Jewish life continues to flourish in an inclusive and diverse Europe,’’ said the European Jewish Community Centre.