Mayor Joins Jewish Community for Menorah Lighting

The ceremony, hosted by Chabad-Lubavitch of the Mohawk Valley, is part of a worldwide Chanukah campaign that has been meant to encourage tolerance and celebration since 1973.

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Mayor Joins Jewish Community for Menorah Lighting

Mayor Robert M. Palmieri was joined by members of Utica’s Jewish Community to light a Menorah in Liberty Bell Park and celebrate the start of Chanukah.

The lighting has become a tradition in Utica and the Menorah will sit at the heart of Downtown throughout the Chanukah season to highlight Jewish culture and to remind people of the lessons of Chanukah. The ceremony, hosted by Chabad-Lubavitch of the Mohawk Valley, is part of a worldwide Chanukah campaign that has been meant to encourage tolerance and celebration since 1973.

Chanukah celebrates the victory of a small, yet determined army of Maccabees against oppressors, and Chanukah has come to represent the victory of right over might, light over darkness, and freedom over oppression. The message of Chanukah is in line with the fundamental values of American life and culture including the principles of equality and religious freedom.

To coincide with the event, Mayor Palmieri issued a proclamation declaring the week from Dec. 18-28 Chabad of the Mohawk Valley Week in the City of Utica.

Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said: “The holiday season is a good time to celebrate all that makes Utica unique and a great place to live. Our diversity is our greatest strength and the people of Utica are its greatest asset. I’m proud to be part of this Menorah lighting at a prominent place in the heart of downtown. Together, the Menorah will remind us of tolerance, perseverance and religious freedom.”