The annual lighting of the first candle of Hanukkah in Berlin took place on Sunday at the Brandenburg gate, one of Germany's most important symbols.
This year, however, the torch used to light the Menorah was jointly lit by children of Syrian refugees together with Jewish children from the local community.
The Hanukkiah itself, which is considered to be the largest in Europe, was lit by German Minister of Culture Professor Monika Grütters and Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, rabbi of the Berlin Jewish community and the Chabad representative in the city. Also present was the chairman of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, Aiman Mazyek and representatives of the mosques in the city.
Two thousand people, including both members of the Berlin Jewish community and non-Jewish residents of the city, attended the event, an already longstanding tradition, which took place at the historic Pariser Platz home of the Brandenburg gate.
"70 years after the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camps and 50 years after the establishment of German-Israeli diplomatic relations, the Jewish life In Germany has been restored to its rightful place," Grütters declared.
"It is very symbolic that here at the Brandenburg gate – which symbolizes Germany's greatest moments on one hand and its darkest on the other – we celebrate Hanukkah together!" she continued, prior to her being lifted by a crane to light the candle.
Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal addressed the audience as well, expressing his hope that the "light of Hanukkah" could help dispel on e of Europe's more recent dark episodes.
"Just a few weeks ago we witnessed the Paris terror attack, which has spread darkness and fear all around us. Tonight, we are here to say that light shall prevail over darkness and tyranny.
"Our presence here is a message which shows that peace and tolerance are stronger than any dispute. Those who spread fear have but one purpose, to destroy the unity and peace between cultures."
Rabbi Teichtal concluded his speech with the words "Am Yisrael Chai!"
Among the large audience were numerous ambassadors, including US ambassador to Germany John B. Emerson, Israeli delegate to Germany Avi Nir, and the ambassadors of Britain, Poland, Italy, Ukraine, Brazil, Denmark and others.