Local community organizations, Jewish House and JNF NSW of Sydney, Australia, united to host almost 2,000 people at a family day out at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, in what is expected to be one of the world’s largest Chanukah events this year.
Babies in strollers, moms, dads, grandparents and people of all ages arrived in droves over five hours to take in the sights and sounds of the exotic animals and Chanukah festival.
Families were treated to a 50% ticket price discount, making the event affordable for many who have been impacted by this year’s COVID-19 Pandemic. Complimentary tickets were provided to 100 families identified by the organizations as experiencing significant financial hardship and family relationship breakdowns.
Eager children wandered through the Zoo with their parents and carers, marking off animals on a bespoke Chanukah-themed treasure map, and winning hundreds of Chanukah prize packs at the concert lawn event.
Families dined on delicious kosher pizza, falafel, fairy floss and doughnuts, danced to the Chanukah music played by a live DJ performance, and stayed for the lighting of the grand menorah in front of one of the most magnificent backdrops in the world – Sydney Harbor.
JNF Education Shaliach Yigal Nisell said, “the 2020 Chanukah family day at the Zoo was the perfect way to end this challenging year. As a community, we have had to find strength and resilience from within and look for ways to support each other and Israel.”
Jewish House CEO, Rabbi Mendel Kastel OAM said, “it was an incredibly heartwarming sight to see so many friends, family and new supporters congregate safely outdoors this year and celebrate the festival of Chanukah. I want to acknowledge the friendship and support of JNF NSW, Taronga Zoo, and Cremorne Synagogue for working side-by-side with Jewish House to bring the community together in celebration after such a trying year. We also thank Hashem for the clear blue skies and shining sun so we could enjoy the day out. We look forward to a more peaceful year ahead in 2021.”
The Chanukah festivities will continue over the coming days with candle lightings taking place at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Westfield shopping centres, and several nursing homes – bringing the joy of the holidays to those in physical isolation.
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Wow beautiful the main thing is you all had a good time and that’s the most important thing good job