2017-12-13
"As I light a menorah candle, I wish peace to Israel, to every Jewish family, and peace to Georgia, so that children around the world may not cry," Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili addressed the Jewish people as he lit the Menorah during the Hanukkah celebration at the Great Synagogue in Tbilisi.
The Head of Government emphasized 26 centuries of friendship between the Georgian and Jewish nations.
"I am humbled today by the honor of addressing representatives of our dearest and oldest friend, the Jewish nation. On this important holiday celebrating victory of good over evil. To us the Georgians, this holiday has a symbolic meaning. Although this neighborhood, where we have gathered today, brings together all traditional religions, Georgia takes special pride in our unique friendship of 26 centuries. 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. These stories are enshrined in golden letters in the precious book reflecting the special friendship between our nation, the book sounding like a song in the hearts of both Jews and Georgians. I wish you a happy holiday on this important holiday that gladdens all of us. As I light a menorah candle, I wish peace to Israel, to every Jewish family, and peace to Georgia, so that children around the world may not cry. We have much in common, and I hope our nations will have much to celebrate in the years to come," Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated.
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 Hanukah to the Head of Israeli Government.
"I would like to greet Georgia's great friend, Israel's Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, and wish him a Happy Hanukah. I wish peace to the Israeli people, and I wish the Georgians and Jews another 26 centuries of exemplary friendship," the Prime Minister of Georgia said.
Prime Minister's Press Office