It’s meant to be a holiday of hope and light. But in Gig Harbor, last week’s Hannukah celebration began with vandalism.
Someone worked to destroy a public menorah; an act city leaders say is attempting to spread hate and fear.
The vandalism happened at the ‘Uptown Gig Harbor’ shopping center, where a large outdoor menorah is an annual staple. The menorah’s lights were torn down, its frame scraped and dented, and it was unable to properly light.
“I saw it and my first reaction was, ‘No! Not in Gig Harbor.’ This is not my city. This is not what we do here,” says Mayor Mary Barber.
But the vandalism in Gig Harbor comes at a time when antisemitism is on the rise.
In just the United States, the Anti-Defamation League reports of more than 10,000 antisemitic incidents since last October.
“It’s definitely been difficult. Our people who fear, who feel isolated, and scared,” says Rabbi Mendel Kesselman. He is with the Chabad of Pierce County, which installed the menorah in Gig Harbor.
His reaction to last week’s vandalism wasn’t anger, but rather purpose.
“Continue spreading more light,” urges Rabbi Kesselman. “While it did happen…we constantly focus on the positive. That’s the whole message of Hannukah. That’s all about light. We will continue focusing on the light, spreading light.”
Gig Harbor Police are investigating the vandalism.
“I would like whoever did this, if we can figure out who this was, to face some sort of consequences,” says Mayor Barber. “Because it is not acceptable. I think it’s a teaching moment also, for the community, to learn that we need to be more accepting. We need to be welcoming.”
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