The Finest Community Coalition Joined Mayor Todd Gloria for a Menorah Lighting at City Hall

On December 17 at the City Administration Building, the Finest Community Coalition, along with many of its member organizations including Jewish Federation of San Diego, joined San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria in co-hosting a public Chanukah menorah lighting at City Hall. The gathering brought together civic leaders, community members, councilmembers, and representatives from across San Diego’s Jewish community to mark the holiday in a visible and meaningful way. 

The ceremony opened with remarks from Rabbi Zalman Carlebach of Chabad of Downtown San Diego. In his introductory speech, Rabbi Carlebach reflected on the central theme of Chanukah, the power of light, and encouraged the San Diego community to “be the light” in the face of rising antisemitism. He emphasized that even small acts of visibility, unity, and courage can help push back against darkness and hatred. 

The Mayor’s Remarks on Chanukah in San Diego

Mayor Todd Gloria and Councilmember Jennifer Campbell also addressed the crowd and the camera streaming to viewers at home and online. Mayor Gloria spoke about the importance of celebrating Chanukah publicly and proudly, both through civic ceremonies like the menorah lighting at City Hall and through community celebrations around the world. He referenced the recent horrific attack at a Chanukah gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, underscoring the reality of antisemitism while reaffirming San Diego’s commitment to standing with its Jewish community. The Mayor also highlighted that Jewish residents and organizations are an integral part of San Diego’s fabric and an indivisible part of what makes San Diego “America’s Finest City.” 

As well as the Mayors remarks, the ceremony included Rabbi Carlebach and Councilmember Campbell leading the lighting of the menorah. Coalition members, community leaders, and attendees then joined together in singing. Arms linked, the group sang as the (lightbulb) candles shined brightly, creating a powerful and uplifting moment of unity. In that shared space, the Jewish organizations present collectively affirmed a simple but resonant message: we are here, we are proud, and we are an intrinsic part of the San Diego community. 

The Finest Community Coalition, Jeff Schindler, Board Chair of the Jewish Federation of San Diego, and leading members of the local Jewish community were proud to be invited to join Mayor Todd Gloria and the City of San Diego in officially lighting the menorah at City Hall. While much remains to be done to combat antisemitism, it was no small moment for the Jewish holiday tradition to be so publicly cherished and commemorated in an official city setting.