Polish politician Karol Nawrocki announced he will not observe Chanukah in the Presidential Palace, a move reported by media as a break from a decades‑old tradition.
No Chanukah at the Presidential Palace
Representatives of the Jewish community informed the newspaper “Rzeczpospolita” that they did not receive an invitation to Chanukah celebrations at the Presidential Palace this year. The Presidential Office failed to answer whether the ceremony will take place, suggesting that the holiday will not be observed at the Palace.
Jewish Community Denies Invitation
When contacted, the community declined to discuss the possibility of a ceremony and requested no further details, implying that the tradition of holding a Chanukah service at the palace may have ended.
Nawrocki’s 2019 Interview and Stance
During the 2019 election campaign, Karol Nawrocki was interviewed on RMF FM, where a listener asked whether he would light the Chanukah candles as traditionally upheld by former Presidents Lech Kaczyński and Andrzej Duda. Nawrocki replied that he regards his Christian values seriously and celebrates holidays that are close to him personally.
Chanukah Celebrated in the Sejm
In contrast, the Sejm plans a Chanukah ceremony on Monday, December 15. Włodzimierz Czarzasty, the Sejm Marshal, stated that the event will continue as tradition without any ideological influence.
Continued Holiday Traditions in Parliament
The National Assembly also scheduled a Christmas Eve meeting of MPs and senators. A Christmas tree already stands in the lower chamber, though a nativity display remains uncertain for this year, following its first installation last year on the initiative of Vice‑Marshal Krzysztof Bosak.
