Eight Refugee Stories for Chanukah 2024

Chanukah is a celebration of freedom from persecution. Over two thousand years ago, at the time of Judah Maccabee and his family, Jews were forbidden from practising their religion. During the eight days of Chanukah, we light candles to remember the time when the Jewish people regained their freedom and re-dedicated the temple in Jerusalem.

In our time, many are still persecuted – for their religion, their political views, their sexuality or other reasons. Refugees have diverse stories, but they share a wish to contribute to the country where they find refuge. 

Refugees who fled from Nazi Germany in the 1930s – and their children and now their grandchildren – have contributed greatly to our community. Now we are setting present-day refugees' stories alongside those stories from over 80 years ago. 

We invite you to share these stories during the eight days of Chanukah, 25 December 2024 – 1 Jan 2025. 

First Candle Story

First Candle Story

Eve: ‘My mother loved this country because it gave her a home’

Second Candle Story

Second Candle Story

Dr Last Mafuba: peer support helps with loneliness

Third Candle Story

Third Candle Story

Tsegazghi: I was a judge, a fugitive and a refugee

Fourth Candle Story

Fourth Candle Story

Razan Alsous: from pharmacist to cheese maker

Fifth Candle Story

Fifth Candle Story

Ahmad: breaking barriers with engineering skills

Sixth Candle Story

Sixth Candle Story

Liudmila: supporting Ukrainian small business set-ups

Seventh Candle Story

Seventh Candle Story

Eve's journey: from persecution to healing

Eighth Candle Story

Eighth Candle Story

Ruth: training as a nurse, making friends for life