December 18 the tiny Jewish Community of Myanmar (formerly Burma), full-member of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, invited guests at the Yangon only Synagogue. Among the 130 or so guests were Burmese government officials, former commander in chief of the armed forces of Myanmar, US Ambassador, Canadian Ambassador, other diplomatic community, leaders from Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Bahai and Hindu community and many other distinguish guests.
In the past three years the Jewish Community celebrated Hanukkah at the Hotel but this year Moses Samuels, head of the Jewish Community decided to do it at the Yangon Synagogue to make awareness of the beautiful Synagogue to general public. Many local media and National Broadcasting Service of Myanmar were at the event.
Before the start of the event, guests viewed a photo exhibition showcasing relations between Myanmar and Israel. On display were pictures of Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion’s visit to Myanmar in 1961 and a visit by Myanmar’s first Prime Minister, U Nu, to Israel in 1955. Former Prime Minister U Nu daughter Than Than Nu was one of the attended at the Hanukah Reception.
The event was held on the night of the lighting of the Third Hanukkah Candle. Lighting the three candles were: Derek Mitchell, US Ambassador; Mr. Tin Oo, former commander in chief of the armed forces of Myanmar; Mr. Moe Zaw Win, Director General of Ministry of Religious Affairs.
"No matter what religion we practice or what beliefs we value," community member Sammy Samuels said at the Hanukkah event, "when we light the candles tonight it reminds all of us to rededicate ourselves to improving the lives of those around us, to spread the light of freedom and to believe that miracles are possible even in times of darkness."