Georgian PM highlights “centuries-old friendship” with Israel on Hanukkah celebration

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday highlighted the “centuries-old friendship” with the Jewish people and expressed support of the Georgian people and the country towards Israel, in his congratulatory address for the Hanukkah celebration at the Great Synagogue of Tbilisi.  

Kobakhidze noted Hanukkah was the celebration of the “triumph of light over darkness, good over evil”, adding “we all need more light, more goodness, and I want to wish you all this on this happy day”.

The Jewish people are experiencing a rather difficult time today. This creates an emotional background, however, the Jewish people have always been distinguished by a special spiritual strength. I am sure all this is temporary and the Jewish people and Israel will overcome all challenges”, Kobakhidze said.

The head of the Government also emphasised Georgia was “in solidarity with” Israel and its “friendly” people, adding that the “historic friendship” between the two nations “places a special responsibility on us to take maximum care of strengthening this friendship in the future as well”.  

Kobakhidze, along with the Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze and the Government officials, wished the Jewish people “all the very best” in 2025, and together with the chief rabbi of the Synagogue, symbolically lit the first candle of Hanukkah.

Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of light, celebrated for eight days in November or December. The most important part of the celebration is the lighting of the menorah - a special candleholder used in Jewish ceremonies - with nine candles. Eight of the candles represent the eight days of the festival and the ninth candle is used to light the others.