Hanukkah 2025 in Ukraine: A Shared Language of Light and Resilience

In 2025, Hanukkah in Ukraine became more than a Jewish holiday — it emerged as a public symbol of resilience, hope, and inner strength that resonated far beyond Jewish communities.

Across Ukrainian cities, Hanukkiyot appeared in central squares, and public candle-lightings were joined by mayors, civic leaders, artists, and community partners. In a country living through war, blackouts, and uncertainty, many Ukrainians recognized their own story in Hanukkah: a small light preserved against overwhelming darkness.

Alongside this public presence, Project Kesher Ukraine supported intimate community celebrations across the country. One of the most powerful took place in Odesa, where 45 people gathered for a Hanukkah literary evening at Hillel — despite a complete blackout caused by attacks on energy infrastructure. With no electricity, water, or heating, participants came together to listen to Jewish literature, music, and light the first Hanukkah candle — a quiet but profound act of resilience.

Additional PKU–supported events took place in Bila Tserkva, Vinnytsia, Dnipro, Lviv, Kyiv, Poltava, and beyond, engaging women and families through discussions, traditions, and shared reflection.

Hanukkah 2025 became a meeting point between Jewish tradition and Ukraine’s lived reality — a reminder that light does not need to be loud to endure. Even a small flame can be enough to keep moving forward.