Anniversary Marked in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Giant Menorah went up 30 years ago – a first in the city, in China and a first in Asia. There were only 40 people in attendance. The rest of the community stayed home.

“A Giant Menorah was meant for Brooklyn – not the Far East,” someone commented to the young Shluchim Rabbi Mordechai and Goldie Avtzon.

This past Sunday, Hong Kong’s Giant Menorah lit up the Hong Kong skyline for the 30th time – and there were nearly 1,000 people in attendance.

“The weather stations predicted rain and there was chatter in the community about security concerns. We predicted average attendance,” says Rabbi Avtzon, Head Shliach of China. “The attendance of such a record crowd was heartwarming.”

Rabbi Avtzon greeted the community with a message about the power of a candle. After a memorial video for victims of terror was aired, the crane carrying Mr. Ephraim Zion and Rabbi Avtzon went up to light the Menorah against the famous skyline of Hong Kong.

Mr. Zion was there 30 years ago… one of the 40 that believed in the message of the public Menorah.

Today, there are Giant Menorahs lit throughout China and other countries in Asia – a testimony to the power of one candle 30 years ago.

Before the lighting, the afternoon began with a mega Chanuka carnival featuring some new and creative attractions. New and unique to Hong Kong was the “Bike-A-Latke”, a bicycle powered potato grinder that whipped up a delicious batter for hot sizzling latkes.

The record crowd was joined by a 10 foot Yehuda HaMacabee that brought smiles to the faces of young and old. Another feature was a display of the story of Chanukah – consisting of mannequins that had been designed by the students of JUDA – Chabad’s weekly Jewish enrichment program.

Participants also enjoyed entertainment by a Cyr Wheel performance and a local break dance team that choreographed their performance and amazing footwork to Chanukah music.

The beautiful evening was documented by various news sources, including the Ming Pao Newspaper, the largest Chinese newspaper in Hong Kong, and was recognized by the US Consulate in Hong Kong.