The Hanukkah celebration on December 16, 2024, at the French Consulate in New York City featured the lighting of a remarkable 19th-century menorah with a profound history. Originally displayed at a synagogue in Czechoslovakia, the menorah survived the destruction of Kristallnacht in 1938, when the Nazis attacked Jewish communities, burning synagogues, homes, and businesses. Though the synagogue was destroyed, the menorah endured, becoming a powerful symbol of Jewish resilience and hope.

Now part of the distinguished Judaica collection of Thomas and Sonia Gelb, the menorah represents a bridge between generations. For the Gelbs, lighting it is more than just a Hanukkah celebration; it is an act of remembrance and preservation. The menorah’s light honors a lost Jewish community, ensuring their legacy endures while celebrating the strength of Jewish tradition.

Thomas Gelb, Hanukkah Lighting at the French Consulate | Photo Courtesy of Thomas Gelb

The annual Hanukkah celebration at the French Consulate highlights France’s dedication to preserving Jewish heritage and combating antisemitism. This meaningful event brought together Jewish leaders, community members, dignitaries, and allies from diverse backgrounds. As the menorah’s flames illuminated the room, a powerful sense of unity, tradition, and reflection filled the space, embodying the shared commitment to remembering the past and celebrating a hopeful future.

This historic menorah, once nearly lost, became the centerpiece of an evening dedicated to memory and renewal. Its light served as a beacon of hope, reminding all in attendance of the resilience of Jewish communities and the importance of fostering understanding and dialogue across cultures.

The menorah’s journey—from surviving Kristallnacht to becoming part of the Gelb’s’ renowned collection—reflects both the fragility and tenacity of Jewish history. Its lighting at such meaningful gatherings ensures that the voices and stories of the past continue to inspire future generations.

Israel’s Consul General in New York City, Ofir Akunis, lights a pre-Holocaust Hanukkah menorah owned by Thomas and Sonia Gelb. December 16, 2024.

The Hanukkah celebration at the French Consulate was a powerful tribute to the enduring strength of faith, memory, and resilience. As the menorah’s flames flickered in the room, they represented far more than a simple holiday tradition—they symbolized the Jewish people’s unshakable strength, the lessons of history, and the unwavering hope for a brighter future.

The Consulate’s participation in this poignant Hanukkah observance underscores its role as a steadfast ally in the preservation of Jewish heritage. It serves as a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, the spirit of the Jewish people and their traditions will continue to inspire and guide us toward a more inclusive and compassionate world for generations to come.

In a world often overshadowed by darkness, this ceremony stood as a shining testament to the light that perseverance, tradition, and unity can bring. It reinforced for all in attendance that, no matter the challenges, the flame of Jewish heritage and spirit will never fade, lighting the way for a future filled with hope, resilience, and unity.

Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide