Dubai welcomes Festival of Light

The United Arab Emirates has welcomed its first public celebrations of Hanukkah, the Festival of Light in the Jewish faith.

This demonstrates the goodwill of the Abraham Accords. The treaty, signed by Israel and the UAE on 15th September, normalises relations between the two nations. It has encouraged tolerance between Israelis and Emiratis.

To many Jewish people, Hanukkah represents a time of miracles. American Rabbi Marc Schneier regards this as further proof of God's work.

Rabbi: "And celebrating Hanukkah here in Dubai, in 2020, I have to salute God's miracle workers, who are greatly responsible for making this modern day miracle happen."

For Israeli Businessman Gil Gurevitch, it represents the potential which every step to peace makes possible.

Gil: "It's a dream come true and it's a miracle and this is Hanukkah, it's to light candle that will be light. It says 'hor', 'hor' in Hebrew and this is what just happened. It's made 'hor' and I hope this peace, Inshallah, will bring all the Israeli here and all the Emirates there."

Having organised a Dubai hotel to provide 50 rooms, a kosher restaurant and sabbath elevator, Gurevitch invited friends to join him to celebrate the Sabbath in the hotel.

He also worked to ensure the mezuzah, which is a customary feature on the doorposts of Jewish homes, was present at the doorway to each room.

Witnessing Hanukkah's first public celebration in Dubai is a great honour for Rabbi Schneier.

Rabbi: "It has tremendous meaning and significance to actually participate, to witness, to experience the miracle of Gulf-Israel relations and the exponential growth of Jewish life here in Dubai."

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