Why are sufganiyot popular during Hanukkah in Israel?

Sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are popular during Hanukkah in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide because they are fried in oil.123

This preparation method serves as a symbolic reminder of the miracle of the oil, which is central to the story of the holiday. According to the Talmud, when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple of Jerusalem in 164 bce, they found only enough pure oil to light the temple's menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, providing enough time to secure a fresh supply. Consequently, eating foods fried in oil—such as sufganiyot and potato latkes—is a traditional way to commemorate this event.2314