Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar co-sponsored a Hanukkah event at the Senedd yesterday evening, which was attended by dignitaries, faith leaders, local residents and the Cardiff Jewish Community.

Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah or other transliterations from Hebrew, is Judaism's 'festival of lights'.

On eight consecutive nightfalls, Jews gather with family and friends to light one additional candle in the menorah — a multibranched candelabra.

The festival commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following a successful battle for religious freedom for Jews in Judea, Israel in 165 BCE. 

The Cardiff United Synagogue's Menorah Lighting at the Senedd was attended by the First Minister, who spoke at the event, along with Rabbi Rose Minister at Cardiff United Synagogue, and co-sponsors of the event Darren and Jane Dodds MS. 

In his speech Darren referred to the mass shootings over the weekend in Bondi, Sydney, Australia. 

He said: 

"This was an act of unspeakable evil, perpetrated against innocent civilians, on the first day of one of the most important Jewish festivals of the year and one which, of course, took place only a matter of months after the antisemitic attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, on Yom Kippur.

"So I would like to make it absolutely clear that my party and I stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community in Wales, in the UK, and around the world, in the face of hatred, threats, and violence".

Speaking after the event, Darren said: 

"It was an absolute pleasure to once again co-host this wonderful and happy occasion celebrating Hanukkah. The Menorah Lighting Ceremony lasted half an hour and was a delight to see. Light always overcomes the darkness.   

"Afterwards we enjoyed traditional Chanukah foods – doughnuts, latkes (potato fritters) and hot drinks. 

"The event was well attended, and it was pleasing to see so many of my fellow MSs from all political parties showing their support for the Jewish community".

He added: 

 "At this time, more than ever, when the Jewish nation's right to exist and practice Judaism is threatened, even here in the UK, it is imperative that as a community we are able to come together to celebrate the Jewish faith and the right to practice with religious freedom in support of the local Jewish community.

"As I said in my speech, I hope that here in Wales we can all strive to make our nation an example of unity, togetherness, and inclusion that the rest of the world can aspire to."