By COLlive reporter
Even as the rain came down on Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza on Sunday evening, the final night of Chanukah, the crowd at the Menorah lighting continued to swell.
Members of the area’s Jewish communities – ranging from Orthodox, to Chasidic, to Reform and Conservative congregations, responded to the call to join in solidarity with their fellow Jews after the brutal attack on a Chanukah party an evening earlier in Monsey, NY.
Also coming to show solidarity were political leaders, like Mayor Bill DeBlasio, Comptroller Scott Stringer, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.
The crowd joined in joyous spirited dancing to upbeat Jewish music. Many participants held their own Menorahs high as the large Menorah was lit.
Mayor DeBlasio, a regular participant at the lighting every year, was honored with lighting the Shamash candle.
The lighting was coordinated by Rabbi Shimon Hecht, of Congregation B’nai Jacob, Chabad of Park Slope, and National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education.
“The event truly showed how as Jews, our mission is to dispel darkness with light,” one participant said.
What a beautiful event told through thse stunning and awesome photos!
Great job all around!
It says a lot that we all join together when we are under attack, I hope many were inspired to take on a mitzvah in the merit of our people. But I have to ask, what about when Golus looks great? And did ANYONE from the Hispanic or Black community show up to show their support? They seem to be conspicuously absent.
As for the politicians who crawl out when it suits them politically…meh. I can’t believe the groveling we show to these hypocrites. Many will be back to bashing Israel as soon as the holidays are over.
If you saw the photos from the Mayor’s Press Release these were actually quite a few black reps there inluding but not limited to Congress Members Clark and Jeffries, Assembly Member Diana Richardson, AG Lattica James as wess as staffers and African American clergymen. If course everyone is upset about the acts of violence but please dont bash people before you check the facts and do your research. These people all have busy schedules but took time out of their schedules on very short notice to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.
wow big crowd in the rain nice we want Moshaich now