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PM Modi said he hopes the radiance of Hannukah will illuminate the lives of people with hope and peace.
PM Modi wished Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Hanukkah. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Hanukkah greetings to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, the people of Israel and those celebrating this Jewish festival of lights around the world.
“Best wishes to PM @netanyahu and all the people across the world celebrating the festival of Hanukkah. May the radiance of Hanukkah illuminate everybody’s lives with hope, peace and strength. Hanukkah Sameach!” PM Modi posted on social media site X.
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that celebrates the miracle of light. It lasts for eight days and nights.
During Hanukkah families light the menorah, a special candelabrum. Each night a new candle is lit to remember the miracle of oil that lasted eight days.
Hanukkah includes prayers, songs, and the giving of gifts. Traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (doughnuts) are enjoyed.
The festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Israel is celebrating Hanukkah in the aftermath of the deadly October 7 attacks which led to the deaths of over 1,200 people, mostly civilians.
Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 45,317 people, a majority of them civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.
Among those concerned are the families of hostages still trapped in the coastal enclave. During the unprecedented attack on Israel, 251 people were abducted, of whom 96 remain hostages in Gaza, including 34 declared dead by the military.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told lawmakers on Monday that “some progress” had been made in negotiations to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, more than 14 months into the war.
His comments in parliament came two days after Palestinian militant groups also talked of progress towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal.
