- December 16, 2025
- 12:18 pm
- Ukraine
The lighting of the Hanukkah menorah took place at the Government House of Ukraine with the participation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the head of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, Rabbi Meir Stambler, and representatives of the country’s Jewish community. The event took place on December 14, 2025, and became part of the traditional Hanukkah celebration.
The event was organized in an official government space and was accompanied by public statements from the head of government about the significance of the holiday and its symbolism in the context of war.
Position of the Prime Minister
Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized that Hanukkah symbolizes the victory of light over darkness — a meaning that is especially poignant today.
“Hanukkah is a day of the victory of light over darkness. Its significance is especially felt at a time when we are fighting for freedom, truth, and light. The liberation of the country from the enemy and restoration is the feat of our warriors and the daily work of millions,” said the Prime Minister.
The paragraph is short because this is the key thought of the speech.
Equal Opportunities and Cultural Diversity
The head of government specifically addressed the issue of cultural and national diversity in Ukraine. According to her, the state considers respect for the traditions of all national communities as an integral part of the country’s democratic structure.
Svyrydenko noted the importance of all communities that consider Ukraine their home having equal and dignified opportunities to develop their own culture and preserve their identity.
Solidarity Amid International Tragedy
During the event, the Prime Minister also expressed condolences to those affected by the terrorist attack in Sydney, which occurred on the day of Hanukkah celebration.
“The pain of this loss is shared by all free people who know how suddenly violence disrupts the usual rhythm of life,” said Svyrydenko, emphasizing the international nature of solidarity in the fight against terrorism.
Symbolism of Light and Hope
Concluding her speech, the Prime Minister referred to the symbolic meaning of the Hanukkah candle in the modern context.
“I wish us all goodness and light, a just and sustainable peace. May the Hanukkah candle we light today become a symbol of our common hope,” she added.
The paragraph is longer because it summarizes the meaning.
Context of the Event
Hanukkah is one of the key Jewish holidays dedicated to the victory of light over darkness and the preservation of identity. Its public celebration in a government building underscores Ukraine’s commitment to respecting religious freedom and supporting national communities amid ongoing war.
Yulia Svyrydenko
Yulia Svyrydenko is the Prime Minister of Ukraine and previously the First Deputy Prime Minister, overseeing the economy, the country’s recovery, and international economic negotiations. She is considered one of the most systematic and technocratic figures in the Ukrainian government.
Main Facts
Born: 1985, Chernihiv region
Education: Economic (Kyiv)
Profile: Economics, public administration, international investments
Political Reputation: Pragmatist, not a public populist, result-oriented
Career and Role in Government
Svyrydenko progressed from regional management and work in economic departments to senior positions in the Cabinet. At the national level, she became known as:
Coordinator of economic policy during the war;
A key figure in negotiations with the USA, EU, and international financial institutions;
One of the architects of Ukraine’s recovery and investment attraction programs;
Ukraine’s representative in dialogue with global business and donors.
She often spoke on behalf of the government on issues of sanctions, damage compensation, confiscation of Russian assets, and post-war recovery.
Political Style
Yulia Svyrydenko is usually characterized as:
Non-ideological,
Technocratic,
Focused on institutions, rules, and agreements,
Cautious in public statements but tough in negotiations.
She rarely engages in sharp political conflicts, preferring the format of managerial decisions and international legitimacy.
Why Her Name is Often in the News
During the war and diplomatic pressure, Ukraine increasingly speaks the language of economics, security guarantees, and recovery. In these areas, Svyrydenko plays one of the central roles — both within the country and in the external contour.
Prime Minister of Ukraine
The Prime Minister of Ukraine heads the Cabinet of Ministers and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the state: economy, budget, social policy, energy, infrastructure, recovery, and the work of ministries.
In short:
The president sets the strategy and external line, the prime minister manages the country every day.
Main Powers of the Prime Minister
The Prime Minister of Ukraine:
Forms and coordinates the work of the government
Leads ministers and deputy prime ministers
Responsible for economy, finance, taxes, social sphere
Implements laws passed by parliament
Represents the government in negotiations with the EU, IMF, World Bank
Responsible for recovery and reform programs
Signs Cabinet resolutions
During the war — also:
Management of the wartime economy
Coordination of aid from allies
Restoration of destroyed infrastructure
How the Prime Minister is Appointed
The President of Ukraine submits a candidate
The Verkhovna Rada approves it by voting
After that, the prime minister forms the Cabinet
The prime minister is accountable to parliament, not directly to the president.
How the Prime Minister Differs from the President
| President | Prime Minister |
|---|---|
| Head of state | Head of government |
| Foreign policy, defense | Economy, management |
| Supreme Commander-in-Chief | Administrative leader |
| Nominates a candidate | Actually manages the system |
Simply put:
The president is the political leader,
the prime minister is the chief manager of the state.
Why the Prime Minister is a Very Influential Figure
Through the Cabinet pass money, budgets, and reforms
The government decides how and where resources go
No major program works without the prime minister
In wartime, this position becomes critically important because the stability of the economy and the home front depends on government decisions.
In One Sentence
The Prime Minister of Ukraine is the head of government who manages the country in practice: the economy, ministries, and state programs, implementing the political course approved by the president and parliament.
Conclusion
The lighting of the Hanukkah menorah at the Government House became not only an element of religious tradition but also a public gesture of solidarity, hope, and support for Ukraine’s cultural diversity.
It is in this context that this event is viewed by NANews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency, capturing how state symbols, religious traditions, and international agendas intersect in Ukrainian political reality.
