DC Bankers Light Menorah

Hundreds of international financiers, diplomats and guests gathered in the palatial atrium of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Washington DC to celebrate Chanukah.

The annual event, which draws members of the Washington Diplomatic Corps and financial and international communities, and circulates annually between The World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the Inter- American Development Bank, offered a unique and elegant opportunity for so many who would otherwise be too occupied to celebrate Chanukah properly on their own.

Special guests included Hon. Stanley Fischer, Vice Chairman of the Federal Reserve, HE Ron Dermer, Ambassador of Israel to the US, and Hon. Julie Katzman, Executive Vice President and COO of the IDB. Chairing the event was Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Executive Vice President of American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad) which organizes the event in partnership with the international / financial institutions.

Ambassador Dermer related the history of Chanukah Gelt and ancient coinage as it related historically to the events of the original Chanukah. He emphasized the message of light and oil in the face of darkness, especially in these trying times.

Mr. Fischer shared how events like these have allowed Jewish identity to flourish in the international arena of Washington, DC and Ms. Katzman offered the official welcome of the bank and its principal, Hon. Luis Alberto Moreno, President of the IDB and one of Latin America’s most powerful figures, and also a longtime friend of the Jewish community. He has attended nearly every event like this, no matter which institution hosted, but was on international travel for this year’s.

The special guests then proceeded to join Rabbi Shemtov in lighting a beautiful silver menorah, before all were treated to hot latkes, donuts, menorah kits and a festive reception with live music. Dignitaries from a host of other institutions and embassies who joined were delighted to have the opportunity t learn more about this important celebration.