Georgia’s Kvirikashvili: I Wish Peace to the Jewish People

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili congratulated the Jewish people on the Chanukkah holiday and wished piece to Israel, as he lit the Menorah during the celebration at the Great Synagogue in Tbilisi.

“I wish peace to Israel, to every Jewish family, and peace to Georgia, so that children around the world will not cry or be sad," he stated.

Kvirikashvili underlined the importance of the 26 century-long friendship between the Georgian and Israeli nations.

“Our brotherly nations have much in common. We share stories of Georgians fighting for Jews and the Jews living in Georgia fighting for Georgians, including the fight to preserve our religious monuments. And these stories are remembered dearly by all,” he added.

The Prime Minister’s Press Office reports that a videoconference call was facilitated from Jerusalem, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed those in the Great Synagogue of Tbilisi. The Prime Minister of Georgia wished a Happy Chanukah to the Head of the Israeli Government.

"I would like to greet Georgia's great friend, Israel's Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, and wish him a Happy Chanukah. I wish peace to the Israeli people, and I wish the Georgians and Jews another 26 centuries of exemplary friendship," Kvirikashvili stated.

Jewish holiday Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.

Chanukah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. It is also known as the Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication.

By Thea Morrison