On Thursday night, Jewish families across the world began observing Hanukkah. In New York City, the lighting of a menorah in Central Park drew about 1,000 people and signaled the start of a two-week celebration. The elaborate lighting also reminded people of the miracles surrounding the ancient Maccabees’ rebellion against the Syrian-Greeks, who had enslaved many of the Jews.
While cities and towns across the United States and world celebrate the Jewish holiday, social media users also took the opportunity to pay tribute to those who have recently died, including the victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and survivors of the Parkland shooting.
Readers wrote touching tributes and sweet expressions of solidarity.
I am struck by how over last year the world has changed so much since I was 18, at a similar gathering. Happy Hanukkah from you. Prayers for all of you and hope for a brighter tomorrow. 🎅🏼 pic.twitter.com/phjxUs7rv7 — Brooklyn Bergman (@BrooklynBergman) June 8, 2019
I have so much love for the people at the Nation and Faith Fuel, both of them family matters, not just to me but family matters to people. It warms my heart that family comes first! 💖 — carol stott (@carolstott) June 8, 2019
Sending many happy Hanukkah wishes to those celebrating it in the United States on Thursday night. . . — David Roth (@david_j_roth) June 8, 2019
Hanukkah is a time of celebration, for families to reconnect with one another and especially to honor those who have died. All who did will be forever in our hearts. 🎈🎄
😓😄😄 — Dan (@DanLoyd) June 8, 2019
Today I am in debt to Parkland for giving me an entire community. I lost a close friend this year too and we both know that time never heals! It seems like it is too much to ask for love but it does and this I know… ❤️ — Shelly Fasold (@ShellyFasold1) June 8, 2019
We all know the story of the Maccabees in the oil that lasted for eight days – because we made each other aware of it.
Today is a time for us to acknowledge the significant signs of terror that took place across our world over the past year. — John Lydell (@JLydellComedy) June 8, 2019
To commemorate those who have died so tragically and our loss to all of them – Happy Hanukkah ! — Trev Baldwin (@TrevBParks) June 8, 2019