By COllive reporter
Mayor Eric Adams has lifted a ban on fireworks and open flames in New York City on Monday, which threatened to cause the cancellation of public Menorah lightings this Chanukah holiday.
Due to a drought watch in New York City, on November 20, the mayor’s office, plus the city’s fire and parks departments, announced the cancellation of already-issued permits and the suspension of any new permits for fireworks displays and open flames across the entire city indefinitely.
The ban was a cause of great concern for organizers of dozens of public Menorah lighting events, most of which take place in public Parks or Parks property across the city, such as the World’s Largest Menorah on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, and Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah at Prospect Park.
On Monday, December 9, however, Mayor Adams and the FDNY announced the lifting of the ban, following recent rainfall in the city.
The rainfall was enough for the ban lifting, however they noted that it has “not been nearly sufficient to replenish upstate reservoirs. The city remains in a drought warning, and city agencies continue to implement their water use reduction plans. New Yorkers should continue to do their part in saving water wherever possible,” they cautioned.
“While we’ve received enough rain in the five boroughs to lift our fireworks and open flame ban, but I want to be clear, we’re nowhere near out of the woods yet,” said Mayor Adams.
New Yorkers should continue to minimize water usage where possible, Mayor Adams said.
The cancellation of the ban is a great relief to Chabad Centers and organizers of public Menorah lightings across the city. Many outdoor events of Jewish pride are being planned, which take on even more significance this year in the wake of increased antisemitism around the world.
“There was a concern that the ban would prevent the lighting of public menorahs across New York City, a cherished and beloved tradition,” community activist Yaacov Behrman said. “Thanks to the rain and City Hall, we have a Chanukah miracle just in time for Chanukah.”
Now let’s see if Eric Adams can pull of something much easier than making it rain, to put a stop to the homeless shelters currently under construction being built in South Crown Heights that is being funded by NYC Department of homeless services. And instead build anything under the sun there that doesn’t involve importing violent criminals from around the city in Crown Heights.
There’s homeless shelters will destroy Crown Heights
Always at the forefront of Askunus !!!