Berlin, Germany - December 29, 2024 The central Chanukah menorah lighting ceremony occurred Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate with the city's governing mayor, Kai Wegner, and Holocaust survivor Margot Friedlaender in attendance. The ten-meter-high menorah, known as the largest in Europe, stood illuminated against the historic backdrop of Pariser Platz, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Jewish life in Germany. The Chabad Jewish community organized the ceremony. Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, a prominent leader of Berlin's Jewish community, delivered remarks emphasizing the universal significance of light triumphing over darkness. Friedlaender, who has dedicated her life to Holocaust education and fostering tolerance, stood as a testament to resilience and the triumph of light over the darkness of history. Despite the cold weather, attendees gathered to witness the lighting, which included traditional blessings and festive songs. First Voiceover (Margot Friedlaender):"I'm doing well. We are here because we need to light the Hanukkah candles. It's a tradition that for eight days, we light one more candle each day. Back then, in Jerusalem, a small oil lamp was found in the temple, and it burned for eight days. So, in remembrance of that, we light one candle each day." Second Voiceover (Mayor Kai Wegner):"Overwhelming, beautiful, especially against the backdrop of knowing what happened at this place. And today, I have the honor of lighting the Hanukkah menorah here. It's just an incredible feeling, and I am very, very grateful."