Speaking during a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony at his presidential palace on Monday, Andrzej Duda said the event was "an important part of the life, faith and tradition of our community," public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
"We have a great tradition of coexistence of nations, Polish and Jewish people, and alongside us, there are many others whose descendants are still among us today," he added, addressing an audience including Michael Schudrich, the Chief Rabbi of Poland.
He also said, as quoted by his office, that "there is no tradition more enduring than the Jewish tradition, characterised by a profound symbolism of rebirth and the survival of all that is most difficult."
The president told the gathering: "Today Israel is going through a difficult time, with many families still waiting for the return of their loved ones, just as we are waiting so that all those who remain hostages in the hands of Hamas can return home safely."
He added: "We hope that, thanks to our support, our citizen Alex Dancyg will also be able to return peacefully to reunite with his loved ones. We are constantly making efforts to this effect."
Duda revealed that his national security adviser Jacek Siewiera and special envoy Rafał Kos were in the Middle East conducting talks on the subject.
"We very much hope that this terrible time will end and a peaceful solution will emerge that will allow nations in the Middle East to coexist," he concluded.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is observed for eight nights and days. This year it began at sunset on Thursday, December 7, and ends on Friday, December 15.
Hanukkah commemorates the 2nd century BCE victory of Judah Maccabee and his followers in a revolt in ancient Judea against the armies of the Seleucid Empire.
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Source: IAR, PAP, prezydent.pl
