Ukrainian Lubavitch businessman and activist Raphael Rutman hosted his annual Chanukah party and Menorah lighting in the Intercontinental hotel in Kiev.
"No one misses this event," Rutman noted about the affair organized with the help of his wife Devorah and Rabbi Meir Stambler, Director of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine.
"People cancelled trips and various meetings to take part in this prestigious event that concludes the days of Chanukah."
Among the attendees were the following diplomats to the country - U.S. Ambassador John F. Tefft, United Kingdom Ambassador Simon Smith, Israeli Ambassador Reuven Din El and Swiss Ambassador Christian Schoenenberger.
The American Ambassador noted that this was not the first Menorah lighting ceremony he is attending and that he hopes that Newton, CT will have brighter days.
Honored with lighting the Menorah was member of the Ukrainian Parliament Lev Mirimsky who said the blessing with much emotion.
Also there was the newly elected parliament member Vitali Klitschko, leader of the UDAR party and a former professional boxer and the reigning WBC heavyweight champion.
The event began with a prayer for the victims and families of the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting in Newton, Connecticut.
The meal was catered by Mendy's catering of Dnepropetrovsk.
