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The annual menorah lighting in downtown Syracuse marked the beginning of Hanukkah on Sunday (December 14). Rabbi Yaakov Rapoport from the Chabad chapter in Syracuse and Mayor Ben Walsh participated in the event held at Clinton Square. The ceremony highlighted the importance of maintaining Jewish traditions amid rising global antisemitism.
Rabbi Rapoport emphasized the resilience of the Jewish community, stating, "We Jews have faced adversity for thousands of years. We’re still here and we’re still bringing light to the world." He added, "Our message is that we fight darkness with light," as reported by Syracuse.com.
This year marks the forty-fourth consecutive year that Chabad-Lubavitch of Central New York has organized the public menorah lighting in downtown Syracuse. The event also included a special blessing for Mayor Walsh, who is concluding his eight-year term at the end of the year.
The menorah lighting will continue each night until the final candle is lit on Sunday, December 29, according to CNYCentral. The lighting ceremony serves as a reminder of the Hanukkah story, which celebrates the Jewish victory over Greek persecution and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.