LANSING — Tonight, state Reps. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) and Robert Wittenberg (D-Huntington Woods) held a menorah lighting ceremony outside of the state Capitol to celebrate the fourth night of Hanukkah. The two legislators are the only Jewish members of Michigan’s state House.
“Hanukkah is a time to rejoice and give thanks for the freedom we are all lucky to enjoy,” said Rep. Wittenberg. “As we light the fourth menorah candle, we take time to reflect on the hardships Jewish people faced throughout our history, recognizing that there is still much work to be done to ensure all people have the opportunity to live freely.”
This year’s Hanukkah celebrations shine light on the unity of Jewish peoples across the state and country following the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in U.S. history earlier this year. In October, a lone gunman entered the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pa, killing 11 people. Hate crimes against the Jewish community have surged in the past two years, with anti-Semitic incidents rising almost 60 percent last year alone.
“This Hanukkah, and every Hanukkah, we celebrate the liberation of Jewish people from oppression, and we remember all those who lost their lives for no reason other than their faith,” said Rep. Moss. “All people deserve the freedom to live, love and worship without fear of oppression or persecution, and that’s what Hanukkah is all about.”
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