‘On Hanukkah, We Strengthen the Light That Accompanies Freedom’: CAM Joins Public Menorah-Lighting in Montevideo, Uruguay

The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) was honored to take part in the public menorah-lighting ceremony held in Montevideo, Uruguay, on the Rambla pedestrian boulevard, to celebrate the third night of Hanukkah this past Tuesday.

The event — a community tradition that began nearly four decades ago — was attended by hundreds of people of all ages. It was hosted by Chabad of Uruguay, with Rabbi Mendy Shemtov delivering opening remarks.

“Each of us counts, especially when we become part of the larger whole,” he said.

Other organizations invited to participate were CAM, represented by Director of Hispanic Affairs Shay Salamon; the Embassy of Israel in Uruguay, represented by Ambassador Yoed Magen and Consul Aviner Fishof; and the Central Israeli Committee of Uruguay (CCIU), represented by Secretary-General Roby Schindler.

Salamon said, “While we celebrate on Passover the exit from slavery to freedom, on Hanukkah we strengthen the light that accompanies freedom. Beyond the freedom of a people, there is the need to emphasize the responsibility we have at the individual level in expelling the darkness in ourselves and in our society.”

“May the candles of Hanukkah be luminaries for the world to transform hatred into understanding,” he added. “Happy Hanukkah!”