Thousands flock to downtown Detroit for annual Hanukkah celebration, with a poignant twist this year.
Detroit's Menorah in the D is set to draw thousands of people to Cadillac Square on December 14th for its annual Hanukkah celebration. The event has become one of Michigan's largest and most prominent Jewish celebrations, featuring a towering 26-foot-tall menorah, live music, and other cultural activities.
However, this year's celebration holds a particularly significant and emotional weight, as it marks the reunion of an Israeli family after two of its members were kidnapped by Hamas. Ella Ben Ami, who traveled from Be'eri, Israel to attend the event in 2023, was affected personally when her parents, Raz and Ohad Ben Ami, were taken hostage by the militant group in October 2022. Her mother was freed after 54 days, but her father remained in captivity for an astonishing 491 days.
The reunion of this family is especially poignant given the recent conflict in Gaza that resulted in over 69,000 deaths and ended with the release of the last remaining Israeli hostages. According to Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan, Menorah in the D "reminds us that even a small light can dispel great darkness." He further emphasized that this celebration embodies the strength and unity of Detroit's diverse community.
The event is free and open to the public, starting at 5 p.m. on December 14th, with the menorah lighting set to begin at sundown.
Detroit's Menorah in the D is set to draw thousands of people to Cadillac Square on December 14th for its annual Hanukkah celebration. The event has become one of Michigan's largest and most prominent Jewish celebrations, featuring a towering 26-foot-tall menorah, live music, and other cultural activities.
However, this year's celebration holds a particularly significant and emotional weight, as it marks the reunion of an Israeli family after two of its members were kidnapped by Hamas. Ella Ben Ami, who traveled from Be'eri, Israel to attend the event in 2023, was affected personally when her parents, Raz and Ohad Ben Ami, were taken hostage by the militant group in October 2022. Her mother was freed after 54 days, but her father remained in captivity for an astonishing 491 days.
The reunion of this family is especially poignant given the recent conflict in Gaza that resulted in over 69,000 deaths and ended with the release of the last remaining Israeli hostages. According to Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan, Menorah in the D "reminds us that even a small light can dispel great darkness." He further emphasized that this celebration embodies the strength and unity of Detroit's diverse community.
The event is free and open to the public, starting at 5 p.m. on December 14th, with the menorah lighting set to begin at sundown.
. the idea that a small light (the menorah) can dispel great darkness is so powerful. it makes you realize how quickly things can change for the better 
. and yeah, this family reunion is like a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the midst of conflict and chaos, there's always room for healing and unity 
. the fact that they're having this celebration right here in Detroit, where people from all walks of life come together to support them... it just shows how community can be our greatest source of comfort 
.
!! It's like a real-life miracle, an Israeli family reunited after being torn apart by hate and violence 
! The fact that they got to share this special moment together in the heart of Detroit, surrounded by thousands of people who care, is truly heartwarming 
?! It's like a nightmare come true.
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. The menorah in Detroit is more than just a symbol of light, it's a beacon of hope for a brighter future 
. I'm so grateful to see people from all walks of life putting aside their differences and embracing the beauty of diversity 
!
. I mean, what are the chances that Ella's parents get released just in time for a big event in Detroit? It sounds like a PR stunt to me... like they're trying to make this event super emotional and attention-grabbing 
. And don't even get me started on how convenient it is that their family decides to attend this specific celebration, right after all the recent drama in Gaza 
. I just wish we had more info about what's really going on here...
. And I'm so grateful that it's free and open to everyone – it just goes to show how inclusive Detroit's community really is 
. Should be an incredible atmosphere 
.
. It's like, a small light of hope and love can really make a difference in people's lives 
. I'm definitely gonna check out the Menorah in the D event on Dec 14th 
I'm literally hyped for this year's Hanukkah celebration in Detroit! It's like, the most meaningful twist ever - an Israeli family is finally reunited after years of being apart due to the conflict in Gaza 
It's like a beacon of hope shining bright for everyone! 
#HanukkahInDetroit #CommunityLove #ReunitedAndItFeelsGood
. i'm so inspired by the community coming together like this, it's not just about celebrating hanukkah, it's about spreading love & positivity 
. still, i'll be sending lots of positive vibes to the ben ami family and everyone involved 