The State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili congratulated the Jews living in Georgia on the Hanukkah holiday. She attended the event in Tbilisi's big synagogue with the Prime Minister, Mayor of Tbilisi, Foreign Minister, Speaker of the Parliament and other members of the Government.

"I want to congratulate every Jewish citizen and the Jewish people for Hanukkah holiday. This magnificent holiday is an important symbol of victory of justice over darkness, kindness over evil. I wish to all of them and to our homeland victory, peace, development, prosperity and better future for our children.

"Georgians and Jews have totally unique, 26-year-old friendship, which has already been recognized at the national level as a monument to intangible cultural heritage. Now it is presented in UNESCO. This relationship, by nature, is indeed unique, exemplary and symbol of what our country represents - a multinational, multi-cultural, peaceful coexistence for each citizen. The Jews were always the most loyal citizens of our state", - said Ketevan Tsikhelashvili.

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. It is also known as the Festival of Lights.