By COLlive reporter
Ukrainian Jewish businessman Raphael Rutman hosted on Chanukah his annual party at the Intercontinental hotel in Kiev for government officials, foreign diplomats and prominent members of the Jewish community.
Participants were surprised to hear that Rutman had organized the event from London where his wife Devorah Rutman gave birth to a baby boy just days earlier.
Rutman flew back to Ukraine to emcee the party which is co-hosted by Rabbi Meir Stambler, head of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine.
Representatives from the American and British embassies thanked the organizers for holding the party and noted that for many of them it was the first time celebrating Chanukah.
Eugene Chervonenko, head of the Department of Aviation of the Ministry of Emergencies of Ukraine, was honored with lighting the 8 candles on the Menorah.
In his remarks, Rabbi Stambler reviewed the activities of the Jewish Federation and the Chabad-Lubavitch rabbis and Rebbetzins around the country.
Kiddush Hashem to the Max !!!!!
Loooking great!!! much mazal. Mazal tov on the new baby.
An old roomate
Raphael & Devorah Rutman are great hosts.
I ate by them on friday night and motzai shabbos. They were so freindly and helped us out, the food was also amazing. They made my Shabbos in Kiev a great one.
Charkov Shlichus.
Meir Stambler is a true chossid of the Rebbe…keep up the most amazing work!