Embassy of India
Washington DC
Press Release - Embassy of India Celebrates Hanukkah

Washington DC
December 19, 2016 

Embassy of India organized celebration of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah at Ambassador Navtej Sarna's residence on December 19, 2016. The event was attended by around 200 guests including leading members of the Jewish community, representatives from US Administration, Congressional staff, business, think-tanks and media. The event has been held at the Indian Embassy for the last 15 years.

Following the lighting of the Menorah, Ambassador Sarna evoked the rich and historic Jewish tradition in India and the continued deepening of bilateral ties as reflected in the recent high-level exchanges of visits. In his remarks, Ambassador Ron Dermer, Ambassador of Israel to the US described the gathering as a celebration of the remarkable history of both our nations. He noted the truly unique ability of both Israel and India to balance the currents of globalization while preserving their identity. Also, both countries face the threat of terrorism. Mr. Stanley Bergman, Honorary President of American Jewish Committee recalled his growing years in South Africa where they celebrated Diwali and Hanukkah together. Congressman-elect from Maryland, Jamie Raskin emphasized that this was a celebration of freedom and democracy. Other speakers referred to the strengthening India-US relationship based on democratic traditions and human values.
*********

Lighting of the Menorah at the Hanukkah celebrations at Ambassador's Residence.


Lighting of the Menorah at the Hanukkah celebrations at Ambassador's Residence.


Lighting of the Menorah at the Hanukkah celebrations at Ambassador's Residence.


Invocation in Indian-Jewish tradition.


Invocation in Indian-Jewish tradition.

Invocation in Indian-Jewish tradition.

Address by Ambassador Navtej Sarna at the Hanukkah celebrations.

Invitees at the Hanukkah celebration at Ambassador's Residence.


Address by H.E. Ron Dermer, Ambassador of Israel to the US at the Hanukkah celebrations at Ambassador's Residence.

Invitees at the Hanukkah celebration at Ambassador's Residence .


Address by Stanley Bergman, Honorary President of American Jewish Committee (AJC) at the Hanukkah celebrations at Ambassador's Residence.

Address by Congressman-elect from Maryland, Jamie Raskin at the Hanukkah celebrations at Ambassador's Residence.


Address by Chanan Weissman, Associate Director of Public Engagement, White House at the Hanukkah celebrations at Ambassador's Residence.


First Secretary Suneet Mehta anchoring the Hanukkah celebrations at Ambassador's Residence.

Singing of Hebrew and English songs by Makela Jewish Yound Professionals Group at the Hanukkah celebrations at Ambassador's Residence

Vote of thanks by David Bernstein, President and CEO, Jewish Council of Public Affairs at the Hanukkah celebrations at Ambassador's Residence.
Satish Kumar Sivan
First Secretary (Press, Information & Culture)
Embassy of India
2107 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20008
Tel: +1 202 939 7025 | Fax: +1 202 462 7276
minpic@indiagov.org
twitter     :    https://twitter.com/indianembassyus