After heading the European Union delegation to the nuclear negotiations with Iran, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, hosted yesterday (Wednesday) in the European Commission the annual Chanukah event organized by the European Jewish Community Centre (EJCC), a member organization of the European Jewish Association (EJA).

Ashton whished the Jewish People a happy Chanukah and refrained from commenting directly on the nuclear agreement with Iran. In regards to the Israeli–Palestinian peace negotiations, the high representative said: “we stand for peace and security, knowing that they fit together. In order to have peace you need security. And in order to have security you need peace”.

Ashton added that she has spoken with Israel’s Minister of Justice, Tzipi Livni on the matter and that “before this day is out I will text her two words that I send to all people who are celebrating today: Happy Chanukah!”. Ashton also told the participants that Chanukah is one of her “favorite celebrations”.

Rabbi Menachem Margolin, General Director of the EJA stated that: during Chanukah, we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and that is similar to the job of the European Union – to lead Europe to an age of tolerance and peace among all peoples”. Rabbi Avi Tawil, Director of the EJCC, added that “The purpose of the EuroChanukah4Peace events is to spread the light of peace and freedom among nations, because this is what Chanukah and candle lighting is really about”.

The event which took place in the European Commission building in Brussels was moderated by Nechama Tawil, Program Director at the EJCC, and it was attended by Ronen Gilor, Deputy Head of the Israeli Delegation to the EU, Princess Lea of Belgium, Monsieur Thielemans, mayor of Brussels and dozens of EU ambassadors.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: EJCC)