Prayers for peace light up Hanukkah celebrations in NY

THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE INDIAN EXPRESS (US and Canada Circulation) - 9 January 2009

THE Hanukkah celebrations held at the Indian Consulate in Manhattan last week were marred by the recent terror attacks on Mumbai and the brutal killing of Israelis.

Hundreds of Jews across the world mourned the death of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, directors of the Chabad-Lubavitch center in Mumbai who died in the terrorist attack on November 26.

Organized by the Indian Jewish Congregation of USA (IJCU) for the second consecutive year at the New India House, the Hanukkah celebrations witnessed nearly 150 members of the Indian and American Judaic community participating whose presence marked their solidarity against
heinous terrorist activities.

Despite the air of discomfort, the indomitable spirit of the fun-loving Jews could be felt when the
crowd joined Romiel Daniel, president of IJCU in singing the popular Jewish numbers during the event. Lael Daniel, Trustee and Public Relations Executive and son of Romiel said, “I don’t think that the Mumbai attacks hampered the spirits of Hanukkah. If anything, it has made it stronger. The peaceful and loving Jewish community, across the globe, is united and I’m sure that after these attacks, the rest of the world would show the terrorists that they are united as well.”

A number of dignitaries were present at the occasion, including Prabhu Dayal, the Consul General of India in New York, New Jersey Assemblywoman Linda R. Greenstein, New Jersey Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer and writer Shashi Tharoor.

Dayal said: “We all know that the US government gives a lot of aid to Pakistan — both military and economic. My feeling is that Pakistan can never bring about a solution to the problem of terrorism but will always be a part of the problem. The earlier we realize this, the better will it be for us. We would do everything possible to ensure that incidents like the one in Mumbai do not occur in future; and that the Jews live in peace and harmony like members of other communities in India.”

Dayal also added: “When the Chabad House in Mumbai was attacked, it broke our hearts because several members of the Jewish community were killed. The people who launched these attacks were not only enemies of India but also your enemies. We all know that these terrorists came from Pakistan. Therefore, I think, it is time that all the civilized nations and communities exert pressure on the government of Pakistan to ensure that these terrorist camps are wiped out.”

After a solemn beginning, the organizers tried to light up the spirits by kindling the Hanukkiah or the candles, where several members of the Jewish community took part along with the guests. Dancers of the Shirdance Company, an international dance institute in New York, entertained the audience with three colorful performances; including modern ensembles with a unique
Israeli twist, combining original Jewish-Israeli folk dances with different modern styles and techniques.

There were also renditions of Bharatanatyam by the members of the New York-based Jiva Performing Arts group.