NYC City Hall Hanukkah Event: Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Deputy Mayor Fabian Levy, and Mayor Eric Adams Address Security and Rising Antisemitism
At a City Hall Hanukkah gathering, an emcee opens by identifying as a “loud and proud Jew” and recognizes multiple City Hall staff members before introducing NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Tisch thanks Mayor Eric Adams for his support of New York’s Jewish community and addresses the weekend terror attack in Australia, saying there is “no known nexus” to New York City and no specific credible threats tied to local Hanukkah events, but that the NYPD has increased security at menorah lightings and houses of worship across all five boroughs.
The program blends speeches and performances: a vocalist leads a crowd singalong of “Hallelujah” (with modified lyrics), and Council Member Gale Brewer offers brief remarks wishing a happy Hanukkah, calling the Sydney attack a “wakeup call,” thanking allies, and thanking the NYPD and Commissioner Tisch for keeping people safe. The event continues with music and additional acknowledgments of senior administration officials on stage.
Later, speakers pivot back to policy and public messaging. One official leads a prayer and references City Hall’s efforts to combat antisemitism, including executive actions described as adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism and creating rules related to protests and city policy. Deputy Mayor Fabian Levy then delivers a longer address framing Hanukkah as a story of resilience and praising Mayor Adams for consistently standing with the Jewish community; Adams follows with a speech urging New Yorkers not to hide their Jewish identity out of fear and calling on allies to speak up. The program culminates in lighting a “Hanukkiah of hope,” described as made from fragments of missiles and tied with hostage-family ribbons, followed by blessings led by clergy and closing thanks to event sponsors.