When darkness fell over Götaplatsen on Sunday, about a hundred people gathered to begin the celebration of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
Last year, the corona pandemic stopped gathering, and the celebration, like so much else, had to take place digitally.
- It has been a tradition for 31 years for Gothenburg's Jews to start chanukkah at Götaplatsen, says Leah Namdar who is chairman of the Jewish organization Chabad and one of the organizers of the ceremony at Götaplatsen.
Speech and music
In addition to several musical performances and speeches from the Jewish guests, the municipal councilor Elisabeth Lann, KD, also took the stage to speak.
A few years ago, it was the then municipal board chairman Ann-Sofie Hermansson who gave a speech at the Hanukkah.
How important is it that politicians are here?
- I think it is important for Gothenburg itself.
It is a city that welcomes different people and different cultures.
We are all different, but it is a city that welcomes this type of diversity, and it is fantastic, says Leah Namdar.
Security
Over the years, both security companies and the police have been on site so that people can gather for Hanukkah, and also this year a police car and a number of hired guards can be seen around the crowd at Götaplatsen.
"Unfortunately, all Jewish events need security, we are waiting for the day when all people will live together in joy and harmony," says Leah Namdar.