On December 13, 2023, the Embassy of Austria hosted its annual Hanukkah celebration together with the American Jewish Committee (AJC) at the Austrian Embassy in Washington, DC. Austrian Ambassador Petra Schneebauer and Director of the Austrian Press and Information Service Finja Draxler welcomed representatives from AJC and other Jewish organizations. Then, AJC Washington President Bruce Genderson spoke about the AJC and Hanukkah more generally. Finally, after Rabbi Hyim Shafner led the blessing and the lighting of the menorahs, a local DC musician led in singing Moaz Tzur and Hanukkah, O Hanukkah. The evening also served as the formal opening of the exhibit about the Austrian-American actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr that will be on view at the Embassy through the end of January.

We thank the AJC for joining us and wish a Happy Hanukkah to everyone celebrating!

© ÖB Washington