Chabad of Bethesda & Glen Echo Fire Department Will Travel to Site of Anti-Semitic Graffiti for First Night Menorah Lighting

BETHESDA – The Glen Echo Fire Department (GEFD) and Chabad Jewish Center of Bethesda are proud to announce a major upcoming event to shine a light against hate in our larger community. In response to the recent horrific antisemitic graffiti in Bethesda, GEFD and Chabad will welcome this year’s Chanukah holiday with a first-night Menorah lighting at the 10400 Fleming Avenue bicycle trolley trail site at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, December 18th, 2022. The lighting will be preceded and followed by a huge festive parade through Bethesda led by a fire engine and multiple cars decorated for the occasion!

Earlier this year our community was rocked by two horrific displays of hateful antisemitic graffiti near the trolley trail in Grosvenor Woods, Bethesda. Against a backdrop of increasing global antisemitism, GEFD and Chabad have come together and hope the community will join us with courage and conviction as we stand up and speak out against hate by shining light into the darkness. 

As Chabad of Bethesda’s Rabbi Sender Geisinsky says, “This dark act left us sickened by feelings of shock and sadness. We believe the most appropriate response is one that brings the community together with a message of light and hope.” 

The full program will begin with a first-night Chanukah lighting of a 6’ menorah and party at Glen Echo Fire Department at 6 pm followed by a parade of vehicles proudly topped with Menorah displays and led by a fire engine and GEFD’s other apparatus. Lights, sirens, and Chanukah music will bring the joy of the holiday to the streets of Bethesda and the delight of onlookers. There will be stops in Brookmont and Springfield/Woodacres along the way where Judah Macabee and GEFD’s volunteer fire-rescuers will hand out sweets and treats.

The parade will culminate with the powerful visit to the site of the antisemitic graffiti. A Menorah will be lit and community leaders along with public officials will join the greater community in responding to the darkness and hate with the light of hope and unity. 

Says GEFD’s Lt. Jane Callen, “On this night we will celebrate the power of courage and love over hate. Let there be no mistake: Bethesda will not be darkened by the shadows of fear; we will bravely stand together with hope and light. You cannot have commUNITY without unity.” 

Further info, including parade route, parade stops, and times can be found at www.ShalomChabad.com/njFiretruckParade  or reach out to Rabbi Sender Geisinsky at [email protected] or Lt. Jane Callen at [email protected].