Anti-Genocide Jews From Beacon Hosted Human Menorah On Last Night Of Hanukkah

Flyer Artwork: Artist Unknown - Please Contact Us if you would like credit.
Photo Credit: Rebekah Azzarelli

Some Jews from Beacon hosted a human Menorah Lighting at Polhill Park on the last night of Hanukkah with the theme “Nobody Is Free Until Everybody Is Free: Lighting the Menorah For Solidarity and Peace.” The flyer for the this second lighting was distributed during the first lighting hosted by Chabad Beacon, which did not mention the genocide at all. This second lighting was in response to that.

The artwork for this flyer included the red watermelons and poppies, synonymous with Palestine’s liberation; peace doves, synonymous with the end of violence; the menorah; and the Star of David, which has come to be synonymous with Judaism, which is on the flag of Israel.

The Beacon Coalition group, which was formed during the Ceasefire movement in Beacon, also shared the lighting to their subscribers. A resident of Beacon who spoke out during that movement, Phoebe Zinman (see her Letter To The ALBB Editor here), was one of the organizers of this human menorah for freedom. Last year, at least 50 Jews from Beacon dedicated their 8th night of Hanukkah to demanding a ceasefire from NY Congressman Pat Ryan.

“Beautiful celebration,” said Rebekah Azzarelli to A Little Beacon Blog about this lighting. “Each candle lighting in the human menorah had their prayers.” In attendance were other citizens of Beacon, including Loren Miller, Dara Silverman, Arthur Camins and Tina Bernstein (listen to Tina’s podcast with ALBB, “A Jewish Voice Wanting To Be Heard Regarding Palestine And Israel” here), Ilana Friedman, Elizabeth Greeblatt, and others.