Families of Israeli hostages light menorah made of license plate from Oct. 7 attack
The families of remaining Israeli hostages gathered at Gracie Mansion Tuesday for the mayor’s annual Hanukkah celebration where attendees lit a menorah made of a license plate from a car left behind after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on the Jewish state.
Attendees held up posters of the individuals who remain imprisoned by the terrorist group as Mayor Eric Adams demanded their release.
“These posters are not just mere photographs, they are human beings that we all hold our breath until they return to their family members and loved ones that are here,” Adams said, thanking the families for their courage.
“Bring the hostages home. Let them return home,” he added.
Hizzoner also clearly exclaimed that Hamas “must be destroyed” and condemned a rise in antisemitism across the world and in New York City since the Oct. 7 attack and ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
“I want to be extremely clear as I say to you as the mayor of the city of New York. There’s no room for antisemitism in New York City and there’s no room for hate in New York City,” Adams said to applause from the packed room.
The mayor honored two New Yorkers who have been combating hate and showing solidarity with the Jewish community at the event.
Dr. Michael Lomax and Eboni Williams were each awarded Shine A Light’s Civil Courage Award for Community Building for their roles in connecting the Black and Jewish communities. The award is given to non-Jewish luminaries who have taken on a leading role in battling antisemitism.
After each awardee said a few words, attendees came together to light a menorah molded with the remnants of an Israeli license plate recovered from Hamas’ attack at the Tribe of Nova music festival.
The menorah, designed by Eliyahu Skaist, is engraved with the words of the prophet Micah (7:8): “Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise again; though I sit in darkness, God is my light.”
While the significance of the menorah is poignant, Adams said it’s what happens next is the most important.
“It’s what happens when we leave here,” he said. “Is that light going to shine and pierce the darkness of hate that we are seeing throughout our entire city?”
