Dalli urges religious co-existence and peace in Hanukkah speech

Civil liberties minister Helena Dalli urged people from different cultures and religions to strive to co-exist without conflict, during a speech to mark this year’s Hanukkah festival celebrations.

Hanukkah – the annual Jewish holiday commemorating the recapture of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem – was publicly celebrated by Malta’s Jewish community in La Valette Square, Valletta on Thursday night.

In her speech, Dalli said that both Hanukkah and Christmas are celebrated in peace and respect for the respective beliefs and faiths.

“Our wish is for all to live serenely and happily without fear of conflict; that is what we strive for as a government,” she said.

Dalli argued that in an open society, there is space for various nationalities, cultures and religions “which make the island richer and enhance the social fabric”.

“In such a society there is no place for discrimination and the environment should be conducive to making it possible for every person to reach her or his full potential,” she said.

A speech was also given by Rabbi Chaim Segal on the significance of light within the Hanukkah festival, and this was followed by the traditional grand Menorah lighting.