DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of people in the Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths, was acknowledged by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez on of Oct. 16 at the Tillary Hotel on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.
The multi-day commemoration of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance by the lighting of oil lamps (diyas) is held from October through November.
Keeping culture alive
Gonzalez thanked guests for coming out to celebrate, underscoring that the evening not only provided an opportunity to socialize but also to honor the rich heritage of the Hindu and South Asian communities.
“Their leadership, culture and dedication strengthen not only Brooklyn and our entire office here but the whole city of New York,” Gonzalez said, emphasizing the value of recognizing each other for who and what we are.
“It’s imperative to make sure that our communities feel seen, heard and represented in our justice system. That’s what tonight’s about — celebrating the women and men who work at the District Attorney’s office, bringing dedication and commitment to this job each and every day.
“We need to keep our culture alive — our traditions, music and our religion. It’s so important because diversity is what makes Brooklyn a special place to live. Our differences are not something that separates us, but something that brings us together.”
Some ‘extraordinary news’
Gonzalez explained that the Festival of Lights carries a message that resonates deeply within the DA’s office: the triumph of light over darkness, equating it to the fact that in 2024, Brooklyn had the safest year in its history.
He called it “extraordinary news,” especially for people who lived in the city before the aughts.
According to Gonzalez, homicides are down by 20%, shootings are down in the double digits and victimization is down as well.