In light of the recent tragedy in Mumbai, Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch has received special permission to hold a public Menorah lighting ceremony at the Statue of Liberty.
The Menorah lighting will take place at the foot of Lady Liberty on Tuesday, December, 23 at 5:15pm-6:15pm to honor the memory of the shluchim Rabbi and Mrs. Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg and other victims of the Mumbai attack.
Rabbi Nachman Holtzberg, father of Gabi will light the Menorah, in the presence of city and state elected officials, and representatives of leading Jewish organizations.
“As a symbol that beckons with her light and represents the values under assault by those who terrorized Mumbai, we thought the Statue of Liberty a suitable backdrop for Unite the Lights in New York,” said Rabbi Mendel Sharfstein from Merkos, who is helping to coordinate the event. “The menorah’s flames are a hopeful reminder to us that the light of goodness, kindness and mutual respect will ultimately always prevail.”
The program will include a special guest performance by M Generation.
A Special charter ferry will be departing from Battery park slit 5 in lower Manhattan at 4:30pm sharp, provided by Statue Cruises free of charge.
Space is limited, please be there early to ensure your spot on the ferry.
This Menorah lighting is part of the ‘Unite the Lights’ campaign, which aims to empower record numbers with the universal message of unity, light and goodness through the Chanukah menorah lights. “Unite the Lights” invites everyone to join a local public or communal menorah lighting, and/or to plan one with their own family and friends to honor the memory of the victims of Mumbai attack.
