Yorktown residents gathered Sunday to light the menorah, marking the start of Chanukah with resilience, unity, and hope. The ceremony came in the shadow of a deadly antisemitic attack in Bondi Beach, Australia, where 15 people were killed during a public menorah lighting.
“We are heartbroken by the devastating news of the horrific massacre today,” Rabbi Yehuda Heber said. “It is chilling to realize that this was meant to be the first public menorah lighting in the world this Chanukah. An attempt to spread fear everywhere, make you think twice about gathering, sining or shining openly. That is precisely why we are here today.”
Local leaders, including Deputy Supervisor Sergio Esposito, Councilman-elect Ilan Gilbert, Town Clerk Diana Quast and Councilwoman Susan Siegel, joined the rabbi and the town’s Jewish residents in solidarity, reflected on the tragedy, and emphasized the importance of coming together.
“Today, in Yorktown, it’s so nice to see everybody gathering,” Heber said. “We did not give into terror. We did not dim our lights—we come together stronger, louder, prouder and we light the immense darkness. This is what Chanukah is all about.”
Esposito praised Yorktown’s Jewish community and called Heber a “special man,” highlighting his dedication, commitment, and strength.
The ceremony also recalled the story of the Maccabees, who reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and lit a menorah with only enough oil for one day—a flame that miraculously lasted eight.
“History has shown us even in the darkest of times, light eventually prevails over darkness and that the Jewish people are eternal,” Heber said.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here