Hundreds Defy Snow and Ice at Staten Island Mall Menorah Lighting: A Defiant Beacon of Light Amidst Global Tragedy

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a profound display of unity and spiritual resilience, hundreds of Staten Islanders braved hazardous snow and icy conditions last night, December 14, to gather for the Annual Staten Island Mall Menorah Lighting. Sponsored by the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), led by President Mendy Mirocznik, in conjunction with Chabad of Staten Island, headed by Rabbi Moshe Katzman, the event transformed a freezing winter evening into a powerful statement of resistance against fear and hatred.

The ceremony took on a deep, somber significance as it occurred just hours after a horrific antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Earlier that day, gunmen opened fire on a “Hanukkah by the Sea” celebration, killing at least 16 attendees and injuring dozens more in what Australian officials have called the deadliest mass shooting in the country in decades. This tragedy, coupled with the lingering pain of the shooting at Howard University during their homecoming in October—where five were injured and a community’s sense of safety shattered—served as the stark backdrop for the evening.

“Tonight, the cold wind we feel is nothing compared to the chill of hatred attempting to sweep across the globe,” stated Mendy Mirocznik, President of COJO. “We stand here in the wake of the heart-wrenching massacre at Bondi Beach, where families just like ours were targeted for celebrating this very holiday. We remember the violence at Howard University that sought to turn a celebration of education into a scene of chaos. But looking at this crowd, standing firm in the snow, I see our answer: We are here. We are unafraid. We light this Menorah for Staten Island, but the flames burn for our brothers and sisters in Australia and for every student seeking safety. We will not let darkness win.”

With security at its highest priority given the global alert, organizers and attendees expressed immense gratitude to the NYPD for their vigilant protection. Mirocznik and Rabbi Katzman offered special praise to Chief Melissa Eger, Staten Island Borough Commander, and Captain Jim Palaj, Commanding Officer of the 121st Precinct. Their leadership ensured that extra precautionary steps were seamless, allowing the community to focus on prayer and unity rather than fear.

The event was also made possible through the unwavering support of the Staten Island Mall management. A heartfelt thank you was extended to Mr. Jim Easley, Mall Manager, and Debbie Maldonado, Head of Mall Security, for their logistical coordination and for ensuring the mall remained a safe haven for community celebration.

Rabbi Moshe Katzman delivered a moving charge to the gathered crowd, connecting the ancient miracle of Chanukah to the modern need for moral courage.

“The nature of fire is that it always rises, no matter how heavy the burden placed upon it,” Rabbi Katzman said. “The terrorists in Australia and the gunmen at Howard University wanted to extinguish joy and instill trembling. Instead, they have ignited a fiercer resolve within us. Every person here tonight is a living flame. When we light this Menorah, we are telling the world that love is stronger than hate, and that even in the deepest winter of humanity, a little light dispels much darkness.”

As the candles were lit, the crowd sang traditional hymns, their voices rising above the winter storm—a testament that while the weather may freeze and the news may terrify, the spirit of Staten Island remains unbreakable.