Radosław Sikorski reacts to reports that the President’s Palace will not observe Chanukah and wonders if the president will accept the tradition.
Sikorski on the Chanukah Decision
Polish media outlet Rzeczpospolita reported that the President’s Palace will not celebrate Chanukah this year; representatives of the Jewish community said they did not receive an invitation. Sikorski posted on X that it would be interesting to see whether the president will take up his brother’s legacy, adding a photo of former President Lech Kaczyński lighting a Chanukah candle.
U.S. Ambassador Responds to Nawrocki’s Position
Ambassador Tom Rose was queried on X about the decision not to celebrate Chanukah at the Palace. He replied that he had just learned of the decision. Rose also responded to Sikorski’s post, praising Poland’s respect for various faiths and likening Pope John Paul II to one of the most illustrious figures of the twentieth century.
Nawrocki Affirms Personal Holiday Observances
Article author “Rz” noted that Karol Nawrocki had announced during his campaign that he would not light Chanukah candles. In an interview with RMF FM, Nawrocki said he values Christian traditions and therefore celebrates holidays that resonate with him personally.
Legacy Initiated by President Lech Kaczyński
A 2015 statement on the President’s website explains that the tradition of lighting Chanukah candles by the head of state was started by President Lech Kaczyński; the first ceremony took place on 18 December 2006. Chanukah is an eight‑day Jewish celebration commemorating the Maccabees’ victory over Syrian ruler Antiochus IV in the second century BCE.
