BRUSSELS—Belgium’s largest menorah was lit this week in the EU quarter of Brussels, in front of the headquarters of the European Commission, the EU’s executive body, and of the European Council, the body that brings together the heads of state or government of the 28 EU member states. The EuroChanukah lighting was organised by the European Jewish Community Centre and the European Jewish Association.
Chanukah is the Jewish festival of lights during which candles are lighted during eight days in memory of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE. independence.
According to the legend, a miracle happened in the temple and a small urn of olive oil to light the menorah lasted for eight days.
Earlier this month, an annual Chanukah reception was held in the Berlaymont, the headquarters of the European Commission, at the initiative of the Europeran Jewish Commununity Centre.
During the event, European Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova, who is in charge of for Values and Equality, lit a candle in honour of the 71st anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.