On the second night of Hanukkah, 15 December 2025, the Jewish community in Amsterdam marked the Festival of Lights in an impressive celebration on the city’s Zuidas. The event was organized by Chabad on Campus in collaboration with Maccabi Netherlands and attracted a broad and diverse audience from within the community and beyond.
A lively Hanukkah market surrounded the program, where visitors could purchase a variety of treats and products. The official program was opened by host Zoë Juliard, who introduced the speakers throughout the evening.
The first speaker was Simone Kukenheim, former alderwoman and Chair of the Supervisory Board of Jewish Social Work (Joods Maatschappelijk Werk – JMW). In her remarks, she stressed the importance of continuing dialogue, especially during times of societal tension. She was followed by State Secretary Jurgen Nobel, who spoke about the importance of ensuring a safe and protected environment for the Jewish community in the Netherlands.
Next, Femmetje de Wind took the floor. The lawyer, columnist, and board member of Maccabi Netherlands spoke about the “miracle” of the contemporary Jewish community: a community that works tirelessly for its own well-being while also making an active contribution to wider society.
National student rabbi Yanki Jacobs reflected on the meaning of light and Hanukkah in 2025. He referred to Ahmed el-Ahmed, the man who managed to stop a terrorist at Bondi Beach, saving dozens of lives despite being injured himself. Rabbi Jacobs described him as a powerful example of moral light in dark times.
Chanan Hertzberger, Chair of the Central Jewish Consultative Committee (CJO), then recited the Kaddish in memory of the victims in Sydney. He was followed by Simon Helendal, a young lawyer working on the Zuidas, who spoke on behalf of the younger generation. He shared a personal reflection on what Hanukkah means to him, his wife, and their recently born son.
The highlight of the evening was the lighting of the menorah. Mayor Femke Halsema, visibly enjoying the moment and surrounded by children from the Jewish community, lit the shamash. The next two candles and the accompanying blessings were lit and recited by Guus Richheimer together with his son-in-law, granddaughter, and great-grandchildren. Four generations lighting the candles together formed a powerful symbol of resilience and continuity.
The musical program, led by Refael Mirela, featured the traditional Hanukkah songs Maoz Tzur and Haneirot Halalu. The evening concluded in a warm and festive atmosphere, with guests enjoying delicious sufganiyot and expressing their appreciation to the men and women of BLEW security and the Amsterdam police for ensuring safety throughout this beautiful event.
The Nieuw Israëlitisch Weekblad (NIW) also reported on the celebration:
More than a thousand visitors gathered on Monday evening to witness the lighting of the large Hanukkah menorah on Amsterdam’s Zuidas. The turnout was so large that, for safety reasons, some people could no longer be admitted to the secured area. Among those present were Mayor Femke Halsema, State Secretary for Participation and Integration Jurgen Nobel, and Australian Ambassador Greg French.
Despite the chilly breeze—which made lighting the candles a challenge—and with the attack at Bondi Beach still fresh in people’s minds, a strong sense of warmth and solidarity was palpable.
The gathering was organized by Chabad on Campus in cooperation with Maccabi, under the ever-inspiring leadership of David Beesemer. National student rabbi Yanki Jacobs referred to the events in Australia and highlighted Ahmed el-Ahmed, the hero of Sydney, as a living example of the light that Hanukkah represents. In addition to sufganiyot and hot drinks, books were sold, and author Yigal Krant signed copies of his latest book Ode, despite the cold fingers. Music added to the festive spirit.
Neither the cold nor the attack on the other side of the world deterred those present. For some, it was precisely the reason to come together on this cold yet warm evening to show solidarity and resilience. Special thanks were extended to the young men and women of security organization BLEW, who were present in full force both at the Hanukkah concert at the Concertgebouw and on the Zuidas. You, too, are a source of light.
