Hanukkah in the shadow of terrorism: interview from Paris

In the shadow of the danger of attacks, the Jews of Paris celebrated the lighting of the first candle tonight (Sunday).

Following fears of terrorist attacks, the Paris police ordered Rabbi Menachem Mendel Azimov, director of Chabad institutions of Paris, to cancel the public candle lighting ceremonies in the city.

Rabbi Azimov held several discussions with the Paris police, until it finally confirmed to hold the public ceremonies under heavy security.

Tonight, the first candle of Chanukah, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Azimov told Behadrey Haredim: "At first there was great concern they would cancel the central candle lighting, I told the police that one should not cancel the tradition of the Jewish people and terrorism cannot win. Finally, we received permission to hold the events, but we must cancel the traditional tank convoy which used to hold a public pirsumei nisa, since local police have no technical ability to secure such an event."
• As a result of the security situation, are fewer people expected to attend this year?
"No, this year more are expected to attend than every year, since everyone feels the need to go out and continue the Jewish tradition despite the security situation."
• Some people are afraid?
"No. On the contrary. People told me we will come participate since police are securing the scene, police send an important delegation to every event, and at every community event there will be heavy security."
• How many candle lighting ceremonies will there be in Paris today?
"In Paris itself some 11 lightings, and in cities around Paris there will be about 50. In every place between 500-1000 people are expected to attend depending on the size of the place, om the Eiffel Tower which is the central lighting, approximately 7000 to 8000 are expected to attend, it is mild weather, and not It's raining". Rabbi Chaim Korsiah Chief Rabbi of France will light the first candle at the Eiffel Tower. The lighting is attended by many secular people. In some places, the mayor who is not Jewish participates, after the lighting there is dancing, singing and handing out of donuts."
• A month after the terrorist attacks, how is the situation in the streets, is there panic, people are afraid to walk the streets?
"The streets are still uninhabited, but it seems to be starting to return to normal. Institutions have heavy security, and parents take their children in the morning and late in the day from the educational institution, in the streets themselves there are not enough police officers, there are not enough police personnel".

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!