A grand parade of 35 Mitzvah Tanks and over 300 Car Menorahs drove around New York City on the third night of Chanukah, fighting darkness with light and spreading Jewish pride while bringing the Chanukah message to hundreds of thousands.
The Menorah parade is dedicated in memory of Ari Halberstam, to commemorate the Chanukah when Ari’s killer was found guilty of his murder.
The parade was dedicated to the Kedoshim murdered in the Sydney Chanukah massacre.
“This year, after the terrible tragedy in Sydney, over 100 additional cars signed up to join the parade,” co-director of the Mitzva Tank Organization and parade organizer Moishy Schmukler said. “This is our response to darkness, we go out and add even more light.”
The Mitzvah Tanks and cars topped with Menorahs headed out from 770 in Crown Heights and drove over the Manhattan Bridge, into New York City, seen by hundreds of thousands.
People were overjoyed to see the huge display of Jewish pride, calling out “Chanukah Sameach” to the parade and gratefully receiving Menorah kits.
“Especially during this time of increased antisemitism around the world and when many are afraid to show their Jewish identity, the parade was a statement of Jewish pride to the thousands of Jews who were thrilled to see us,” said Schmukler.
The Mitzvah Tank Organization thanked Honorary NYPD Commissioner Devorah Halberstam, the NYPD Highway Patrol, NYPD Brooklyn South led by Chief Frank Giordano, and 71 Precinct, as well as 71 Pct. Commander Captain Ronald Perez, Sergeant Mike Baratta of the 71 Precinct, Lt. Ira Jablonsky of Brooklyn South and NYPD Community Affairs Officer Jonathan Connors, for their assistance in making the parade possible, and for assistance with parking for the Mitzvah Tanks for the entire week of Chanukah.
Special thanks to:
Executive office:
Rabbi Moishe Schmukler
Rabbi Mordy Hirsch
Rabbi Shmuli Shuchat
Command & Control
Shneur Gansburg
Yossi Piekarski
Groups Dept.
Chaikel Baumgarten, Chaim Garelik, Leizer Klein
Ground Control Dept.
Zalman Lipsker, Zalman Fried, Mendel Laufer, Mendel Cyrulnik, Binyomin Sufrin
Parade Dept.
Mendel Rodkin, Mendel Pinson Zalmy Weinfeld. Yossi Sufrin
Dispatch Department.
Benzi Sudak London
Moishe Freidman
Supplies Dept.
Benzi Sudak CH
Zelig Greisman
And all the Drivers and memunim.
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Still on a high!
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