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Ghana Celebrates Hanukkah: A Festival of Light and Freedom

Date: December 25, 2025 | Category: International Relations, Culture, Religion

Introduction

In a remarkable display of diplomatic friendship and interfaith solidarity, Ghanaian dignitaries recently gathered in Accra to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Hosted by His Excellency Roey Gilad, the Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, the event brought together prominent political, religious, and cultural leaders to honor the ancient traditions of Judaism. This gathering was not merely a diplomatic formality; it was a profound celebration of shared values—freedom, resilience, and the enduring triumph of light over darkness. As the menorah candles were lit, they symbolized a bridge between two distinct cultures, highlighting the growing bilateral relationship between Ghana and Israel.

Key Points

Background

To understand the significance of this event, one must first understand the festival itself. Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish festival of dedication, often referred to as the “Festival of Lights.”

Historical Origins

The story dates back over 2,000 years to the second century BCE. The region of Judea (modern-day Israel) was under the control of the Seleucid Empire, a Hellenistic state. King Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to force Hellenistic culture upon the Jewish population, banning Jewish religious laws and desecrating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs.

In response, a Jewish rebel group known as the Maccabees, led by Judah Maccabee, led an uprising against the occupying forces. Despite being vastly outnumbered and ill-equipped, the Maccabees succeeded in reclaiming Jerusalem and purifying the Temple.

The Miracle of the Oil

Upon reclaiming the Temple, the Maccabees sought to relight the Menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum that was central to Jewish worship. They found only a single cruse of pure olive oil with the seal of the High Priest—enough to burn for exactly one day. Miraculously, this small amount of oil continued to burn for eight days, which was the time necessary to prepare a new supply of kosher oil.

Today, Jewish families worldwide commemorate this miracle by lighting a nine-branched menorah (Hanukkiah) over eight successive nights. One candle is lit on the first night, two on the second, and so on, until all eight are burning. The ninth candle, the shamash (helper), is used to light the others.

Analysis

The celebration in Accra serves as a case study in the power of cultural diplomacy. By hosting a Hanukkah event, the Israeli Embassy in Ghana is doing more than sharing Jewish culture; it is actively weaving a narrative of mutual respect and shared history with Ghana.

Interfaith Harmony and Inclusivity

The attendance of prominent Christian leaders and political figures, such as Dr. Lawrence Tetteh and Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah, highlights Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of religious tolerance in West Africa. The themes of Hanukkah—dedication, bravery, and the survival of a minority identity—resonate deeply within the Ghanaian context, which values community and perseverance. The event demonstrated that religious festivals can serve as a platform for unity rather than division.

Diplomatic Implications

From a geopolitical standpoint, the event reinforces the bilateral ties between Israel and Ghana. Ambassador Roey Gilad has consistently worked to strengthen these bonds. By drawing parallels between the Maccabees’ fight for religious freedom and the broader human struggle for liberty, the Embassy framed the relationship between the two nations as one based on “shared values.” This soft power approach helps to foster goodwill and facilitates cooperation in harder political and economic arenas.

Economic and Developmental Synergy

During the speeches, specific mention was made of Israel’s contributions to Ghana’s development. This is not merely rhetoric. Israel has been a partner to Ghana in various sectors:

• Agriculture: Israel is a world leader in drip irrigation and arid-land agriculture. Given Ghana’s need to improve food security and irrigation efficiency, Israeli technology and expertise play a crucial role.
• Innovation and Tech: The “Start-Up Nation” has engaged with Ghana’s burgeoning tech scene, offering mentorship and investment opportunities.

The celebration of Hanukkah thus becomes a backdrop for discussing these tangible benefits, reinforcing the idea that cultural affinity can lead to economic prosperity.

Practical Advice

For those inspired by the events in Accra and interested in learning more about Hanukkah or engaging in interfaith dialogue, here are some practical steps:

How to Learn About Hanukkah

If you are unfamiliar with the festival, the best way to learn is through direct engagement:

• Visit a Synagogue: Many synagogues welcome respectful visitors during holiday seasons. Contact a local synagogue to inquire about public candle-lighting ceremonies.
• Read Primary Sources: Look for the “Books of the Maccabees” (found in the Apocrypha) or modern Jewish educational resources that explain the history and laws of the holiday.
• Culinary Exploration:
• Try traditional foods. Foods fried in oil are central to the celebration. Try making latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiyot (jelly donuts) to understand the culinary traditions associated with the miracle of oil.