Skopje, 2 December 2021 (MIA) – On occasion of Jewish holiday Hanukkah, a virtual event took place in the Office of President Stevo Pendarovski, attended by representatives of the State of Israel and successors of Macedonian Jews-Holocaust survivors. Pendarovski extended greetings on the Festival of Lights and lit the Menorah candles, the President’s Office said in a press release. “Republic of North Macedonia is especially proud of its Jewish community, which alongside the Holocaust Memorial Centre for the Jews of Macedonia, is our symbolic hanukkiah, because it reminds us of the final victory of life over destruction, remembrance over oblivion,” said Pendarovski. He added that Hanukkah is a reminder that darkness cannot blanket light that illuminates the path of humanity towards freedom, equality, justice and human dignity. “People hold on to these values amid periods of enormous challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In these difficult times, we continue to foster coexistence and respect of diversity as the biggest value of the Macedonian society,” said Pendarovski. This year’s Menorah candles commemorate the Jewish Community in North Macedonia that perished in the Holocaust.