The hanukkiah expresses the idea of light emerging from darkness and the possibility of transforming materials intended for destruction into a message of life, faith and national resilience. It is considered one of the most recognizable symbols of Hostages Square and of the spirit of unity that characterized the period after the war. The Wikipedia entry about the Hanukkiah of Hope was displayed next to the installation in the square as part of the public documentation of the artistic project. Ahead of Hanukkah 5786 (2025), the Hanukkiah of Hope was sent to the
United States via
diplomatic mail with the assistance of the Israeli
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Israel in the United States. The menorah, which arrived from Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, was lit during Hanukkah at a series of events in
New York City, as part of a tour intended to bring light and hope to Jewish communities in the diaspora. Among the prominent events, the menorah was lit at an official Hanukkah event hosted by the City of New York at City Hall by outgoing New York City Mayor
Eric Adams, who wore a kippah and was accompanied by the community’s rabbi. In addition, the menorah was lit outside the
United Nations headquarters in New York City, at a ceremony in which Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations,
Danny Danon, lit the menorah together with Shira Gvili, sister of
Ran Gvili, the last hostage still held captive by
Hamas, in a prayer for his return to Israel soon. Alongside the official ceremonies, the Menorah of Hope was also lit in various Jewish communities across the city, including
TriBeCa Synagogue in the heart of
Manhattan, the Syrian Jewish community in New York, a Hasidic community in Borough Park, and a community in Crown Heights. •
Jewish art == External links ==