STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Hundreds gathered at Staten Island Borough Hall for the 54th annual menorah lighting hosted by Borough President Vito J. Fossella, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon and the Council of Jewish Organizations on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.

The event brought together various community leaders, law enforcement officials and residents to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights.

The ceremonial lighting of the menorah serves as a powerful symbol of the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the ancient Temple, representing faith, hope, resilience, and God’s presence.

A central theme of the evening was the solidarity among Staten Island’s diverse communities. Speakers repeatedly emphasized that the event was not just for members of the Jewish community, but for all residents who support them.

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Staten Island Borough Hall menorah lighting 2025

Borough President Vito Fosella described the gathering as being also for “those who support those who celebrate.” At the same time, District Attorney Michael McMahon noted the presence of leaders from the Christian, Muslim, and Hindu communities.

This interfaith unity was presented as a defining characteristic of Staten Island, where differences are celebrated and used as a source of collective strength against hatred.

Mendy Mirocznik, president of the Council of Jewish Organizations, described the borough as a warm and welcoming place where elected officials and residents stand together against hate, bigotry and racism.

‘Warmest, welcoming place’

“Staten Island, it happens to be one of the warmest, welcoming places in the universe. Everybody agrees there’s no room for hate, bigotry, anti Semitism, or racism in this borough,” Miroznik said.

Fossella said: “As we gather here to kindle the lights of the menorah during this sacred Festival of Lights, we celebrate Hanukkah’s timeless message of hope, resilience and the triumph of light over darkness.

“In the face of the terrible antisemitic attacks that have shaken Jewish communities worldwide in recent days — including the horrific terrorist shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia — we stand united and undeterred,’’ he said. “ Here in our borough and across our nation, we proudly proclaim: The flame of Jewish faith and tradition burns brighter than ever, illuminating the path toward peace, unity, and an end to hatred.”

McMahon, who serves as Staten Island’s chief law enforcement officer, said it was a joy and privilege to join Jewish neighbors on Staten Island to celebrate the second night of the Festival of Lights.

“At Hanukkah, we celebrate the resilience of the Maccabees, who, through a miracle of light, saw a small bottle of pure oil burn for eight days straight,’’ he said. ”Quite often, when we talk about freedom in this country, we talk about a lamp of liberty that burns brightly.

“In keeping both the lamp of liberty and the candles of our menorahs ablaze, we evoke the same resilience as the Maccabees,’’ McMahon continued. ”This quality becomes even more salient when we face the wrath of unfounded hatred.

“Our hearts go out to those who gathered together on the sands of Bondi Beach to embrace this joyous season and instead lost their lives. This Hanukkah, we must honor the resilience of the Macabees and the memories of those taken from us by keeping the true spirit of the season, the spirit of unity and love, present in our hearts and actions.”

Children from the Jewish Foundation School led the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem during the event.

In keeping with tradition, the ceremony concluded with a feast of fresh donuts, potato latkes, and gifts for the children.