Jews in Michigan mark Hanukkah with resolve amid fears
eu.freep.com
That determination was seen Thursday night as Jews and others gathered at Campus Martius for the 13th annual lighting of a giant menorah standing 26-feet tall that organizers say is the biggest public Hanukkah display in Michigan. Now more than ever, it's important for Jewish people to be able to be open about their identity even though some may feel more anxious about it, said Jewish leaders. Tensions could be heard at the menorah lighting ceremony, where some protesters chanted "cease-fire now" as a rabbi and a daughter of an Israeli hostage held by Hamas spoke. Other speakers included Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who noted she was the highest-ranking statewide Jewish official in state history; and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Birmingham, who shouted her support for Israel and Jewish people.
Last year, [Oak Park resident Eliza] Klein helped light the first candle of the big menorah in a program called Menorah in the D and this year, two family members of two hostages still held by Hamas helped light the candle. Yair Moses and Ella Ben-Ami, two Israelis who are visiting metro Detroit this week to tell their stories, spoke Wednesday at a news conference at Honigman law firm organized by Chabad and others the day before the menorah lighting. They said that Hamas kidnapped on Oct. 7 both of their parents, later releasing their mothers, but their fathers remain hostages. They plan to speak Friday at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, the largest Jewish house of worship in Michigan.
At the Chabad event at Campus Martius, Jewish Voices for Peace - Detroit, a leftwing group that often criticizes Israel, held a separate Hanukkah event, with a different message, calling for a cease-fire. Chants of "cease-fire now" could be heard during the Chabad event, which Jewish Voices for Peace alleged has "militaristic messaging."
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