Detroit's Menorah in the D Celebrates Freedom of Faith with Reunited Israeli Family
As the city of Detroit gears up to celebrate Hanukkah, a symbol of resilience and hope will shine brightly – literally. This year, one of Michigan's largest Hanukkah celebrations will feature Ella Ben Ami, an Israeli woman who traveled all the way from her hometown in Israel to join the festivities after her parents were taken hostage by Hamas.
In 2023, Ella's mother Raz was freed after 54 days in captivity, but her father Ohad remained held captive for over 491 days. It wasn't until February this year that he was finally released. The reunion of the Ben Ami family is a testament to the strength and unity of Detroit's diverse community.
Menorah in the D, an annual event that draws thousands to downtown Detroit, will take place on December 14th at Cadillac Square. The celebration features the lighting of a 26-foot-tall menorah, live music, and other cultural activities that symbolize Jewish faith and resilience. Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan, describes Menorah in the D as an event that "embodies the strength and unity of Detroit's diverse community" and reminds us that even a small light can dispel great darkness.
The event is free and open to the public. With its message of hope and resilience, this year's celebration promises to be one for the books – literally. As Ella Ben Ami said in an interview earlier this month, "Each year Menorah in the D reminds us that even a small light can dispel great darkness."
Mark your calendars for December 14th, and join thousands of Detroiters as they celebrate Jewish faith, hope, and resilience at Menorah in the D.
As the city of Detroit gears up to celebrate Hanukkah, a symbol of resilience and hope will shine brightly – literally. This year, one of Michigan's largest Hanukkah celebrations will feature Ella Ben Ami, an Israeli woman who traveled all the way from her hometown in Israel to join the festivities after her parents were taken hostage by Hamas.
In 2023, Ella's mother Raz was freed after 54 days in captivity, but her father Ohad remained held captive for over 491 days. It wasn't until February this year that he was finally released. The reunion of the Ben Ami family is a testament to the strength and unity of Detroit's diverse community.
Menorah in the D, an annual event that draws thousands to downtown Detroit, will take place on December 14th at Cadillac Square. The celebration features the lighting of a 26-foot-tall menorah, live music, and other cultural activities that symbolize Jewish faith and resilience. Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan, describes Menorah in the D as an event that "embodies the strength and unity of Detroit's diverse community" and reminds us that even a small light can dispel great darkness.
The event is free and open to the public. With its message of hope and resilience, this year's celebration promises to be one for the books – literally. As Ella Ben Ami said in an interview earlier this month, "Each year Menorah in the D reminds us that even a small light can dispel great darkness."
Mark your calendars for December 14th, and join thousands of Detroiters as they celebrate Jewish faith, hope, and resilience at Menorah in the D.
️ This is so heartwarming to see Ella Ben Ami reunite with her family after all that they've been through. It's a great reminder that even in dark times, there's always hope and community support. The way Detroit comes together for Menorah in the D is really something special - it's not just about celebrating Jewish faith, but about unity and resilience too 
. I'm sure Ella's story will bring a lot of inspiration to people who attend the event. And can we talk about how amazing that 26ft-tall menorah is going to look in Cadillac Square? 
! Ella's journey is like, whoa, and I'm just so happy that her parents are finally reunited with her 
it's amazing to see how Detroit's community came together to support her family during those tough times. Menorah in the D always brings a special vibe to the city, but this year's celebration feels even more meaningful 
I love how it reminds us that even when things seem darkest, we can find hope and strength in our communities. Can't wait to attend this event with my loved ones!
. I mean, can you imagine if every city had an event like Menorah in the D? It'd be amazing to see people from all walks of life coming together to celebrate different faiths and cultures. And it's awesome that Ella Ben Ami is able to share her story with Detroiters - it's a great reminder that even in times of conflict, there's always hope for peace 
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but, on the other hand, I don't know if I'd call it "literally" one for the books - how can a menorah possibly dispel great darkness? 
Plus, I've heard that some people might think it's weird to be celebrating with a bunch of lights when there are so many other things going on in the world... but, at the same time, I get why this is an important symbol of hope and resilience for the Ben Ami family - their story is truly inspiring 
. The fact that Ella got to experience her first Hanukkah in Detroit is just incredible - I'm sure she'll have so many amazing memories to share with us when she returns home 
. Have you guys been to Menorah in the D before? What's your favorite part of the celebration? 