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By Shiloh Ireland
On Thursday, December 7th; several hundred people participated in an enchanting Rally for Light: event in solidarity with Israel, organized by Chabad House at San Diego State University. At the event, one of the largest menorahs in the United States was unveiled, replacing a menorah that was previously vandalized.
According to a press release from organizers,” This event symbolizes the strength and unity of our community in the face of adversity, as well as a response to the recent act of anti-Semitism experienced at SDSU. The event also comes at a time when global support for unity and resilience is more crucial than ever, particularly considering the current situation in Israel.”
Special guests included Rabbi Josef and Divi Fradkin, Actor Lance Robertson, Oscar Arce, co-founder of Master Talent Agency, Celeste Abbot, Amee Babcock and Hayes Kramer of On Me Movement, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, Jordan Marks, County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Sean Elo-Rivera, San Diego City Council District 9 and Raul Campillo, San Diego City Council Member for District 7 and Barry Soper, best-selling author.
Rabbi Boudjnah welcomed the crowd with a live broadcast to Israel. A prayer was given for the Israeli Defense Forces and for hostages held by Hamas since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The lighting of the menorah, blessings and “Maor Tzur” was led by SDSU students.
The peaceful crowd included families and SDSU students. A heavy police and security presence was obvious and local news stations were present. It was an uplifting time for the rally goers.
The Chabad House near San Diego State University has a new Menorah standing taller than the previous one that had been vandalized three times in two years. The latest vandalism of the Menorah in March left the structure broken on the ground.
“It was done in a vicious act where one person (who) covered himself up came straight at the Menorah, pushed it down to the breaking point. Really, really vile. And at that point we decided it’s time to replace the Menorah with something that is not only going to be returning or rebuilding the same exact thing we have, but go even more grand, even more special, even more beautiful, taller, bigger,” Rabbi and Director of Chabad House at SDSU Chalom Boudjnah said after the March destruction.
The new custom-made steel menorah weighs 1,500 pounds and is over 20 feet tall.
“There’s candles at the top. There’s a dreidel at the center; there’s a very strong base with our logo on it. It’s something we are so proud of,” Rabbi Boudjnah said “It’s just a testament to the power of good and the power of light winning over darkness.”
It was created by a company in Orlando that donated $10,000 back to the Chabad House. The Menorah cost about $35,000.
Candles and sparklers were distributed for the fire show and Chanukah Celebration, shining lights in the darkness as participants savored latkes and other Jewish foods.
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