The Village of Pomona celebrated Chanukah with a public menorah lighting at the Pomona Village Hall on Ladentown Road on Monday evening, drawing a crowd of approximately 75 residents alongside several distinguished officials. The event was attended by Congressman Mike Lawler, Assemblyman Pat Carol, Assemblyman-elect Aron Wieder, Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh, Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht, Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips, and Pomona Mayor Ilan Fuchs. Also present were Haverstraw Councilman Ralph W. Kirschkel, Pomona Deputy Mayor Mendy Lasker, Trustees Raanan Zidile and Joel Grunwald, NRSP Chief Shimi Teicher, Ari Rosenblum of the Rockland Jewish Federation and Michael Rydelek, representing Senator Bill Weber.
The gathering focused on the importance of Chanukah and the message of spreading light. Congressman Lawler expressed pride in serving as a voice for Jewish communities in Israel and around the world during challenging times. Assemblyman-elect Wieder reflected on the tradition of lighting the menorah to commemorate the miracle of Chanukah, highlighting the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s role in popularizing public menorah lightings that unite communities and spread light globally. Ramapo Supervisor Specht spoke about the menorah as a symbol of Jewish endurance, emphasizing the triumph of the Jewish people over ancient empires that sought to erase their identity. Haverstraw Supervisor Phillips extended warm wishes to the community.
Supervisor Specht was given the honor of reciting the blessings and lighting the menorah, joined by the other elected officials. The ceremony brought together the community in a festive display of unity, celebrating the enduring spirit of Chanukah and its message of bringing light to the darkness.
