Poland's new president Karol Nawrocki refused to celebrate Hanukkah at the presidential palace

Poland’s new president, Karol Nawrocki, has decided to abandon the traditional Hanukkah celebration at the presidential palace, which had been held regularly since 2006. He attributed his decision, made shortly after his election, to his personal commitment to Christian values.

According to Notes from Poland, Nawrocki stated his intention not to continue his predecessor’s tradition of organizing the Jewish holiday as early as during his election campaign. When asked by RMF TV about holding a Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony, he bluntly stated, «No. I take my commitment to Christian values seriously, so I celebrate holidays that are close to me as a person.»

The move marks a change in protocol at the presidential palace, where Hanukkah ceremonies have been part of official events for nearly two decades. The rejection underscores the new head of state’s desire to follow his personal convictions in public policy, drawing on his religious beliefs.

According to the latest census data, there are about 16,000 Jews living in Poland, which is only 0.04% of the country’s total population.

We would also like to remind you that on July 22, 2025, the head of the PCU Epiphany Dumenko held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Poland Vasyl Bodnar. The parties discussed possible cooperation, in particular the care of Ukrainian refugees in Poland.