We are at this time of the year when the days start to grow again after the winter solstice. The return of the light carries the promise of spring even if we will have to wait some more weeks before the first tender leaves appear on the trees, the first flowers bloom in the fields, and the first swallows build their nests under our eaves … Mankind has celebrated this time of the year since the most ancient times. Light is essential to our life, to most form of lives, animal or vegetal, and it is important to support our mental wellbeing as well.

This year the Hanukkah celebrations have been marred by the Bondi Beach massacre. What should have been a time of coming together, and sharing hope and happiness, has turned into a time of terror and mourning. My heart goes out to the victims, their family and their friends.

I hope that for all of you who celebrate it, Christmas will be peaceful, full of joy and hope.

But we should remember that for many elderly people and persons who are socially isolated, this is often a very difficult period. If we have the opportunity to do something to make it better for them, even something very small, even if it is just for one of them … we should definitely do it.