The largest Chanukah celebration in New York City, the Seventh Annual Light Up the Night event, took place this past Thursday evening, drawing more than 2,500 participants after an unexpected Sunday morning snowstorm forced a last-minute rescheduling. The delay did nothing to dim spirits, as clear skies and an overwhelming turnout transformed the night into a powerful celebration of unity and light.
The evening featured an electrifying performance by Benny Friedman that wowed the crowd, a dazzling fireworks display, and an engaging raffle with exciting prizes that kept families and attendees energized throughout the event.
This year’s celebration carried special significance following the horrific anti-Semitic attack at a menorah lighting in Sydney, Australia, making the theme of spreading light more meaningful than ever. One attendee from Sydney shared with Rabbi Shmuel Kogan, one of the event’s organizers, that she was initially afraid to attend but chose to come after seeing messages of encouragement, resilience, and hope shared ahead of the event.
Reflecting on the moment, Rabbi Kogan said: “After what happened in Sydney, this year’s Chanukah celebration became a statement. In the face of darkness, we respond by increasing light. Darkness is merely the absence of light. Increase light, add another mitzvah, and darkness is dispelled.”
The event was honored to welcome Donovan Richards as a special guest, who lit the shamash, further reinforcing the message of unity and communal strength.
Coordinated by many organizations coming together in a united front – including Chabad Ohr Avner, QJCC, Bukharian Jewish Congress, Ganeinu Academy, Bukharian Center of Jamaica Estates, House of Torah, Young Israel of JE, Young Israel of Holliswood, Ohr Avner Sefardic Center of Hollis Hills, Shaarei Shlomo, and others – the celebration stood as a moving reminder that in times of uncertainty, the most powerful response is to increase light.
Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Jessica Tisch, police commissioner of the NYPD, for deploying extensive police resources that worked in close partnership with Queens Shmira. Together, they helped provide public safety, reassurance, and a strong visible security presence for thousands of revelers, particularly in light of heightened concerns following the anti-Semitic terrorist massacre at Bondi Beach in Sydney.