Hundreds gathered in Brooklyn on Saturday night to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah and witness the lighting of a giant menorah. But along with festive music and holiday treats, there was also a message of tolerance and peace. NY1's Lori Chung has the story.
"I think it's beautiful. It's a time, you know, to celebrate our similarities," one man said at the celebration.
The ties that bind were stronger than ever, and faith and hope were enough reasons for people to dance for joy.
"I'm the Dreidel Man! This is my crew over here!" said a man dressed as a dreidel. "Happy Hanukkah, everybody! Share the light!"
Hundreds turned out to Grand Army Plaza on Saturday night to mark the start of Hanukkah, with what organizers called the largest menorah.
Mayor Bill de Blasio lit the first candle with a message of tolerance, helping celebrate the festival of lights as everyone reflects on the meaning of the Jewish holiday.
"In this city, we do not accept hatred, we do not accept bias," the mayor said to the crowd.
"You look around and you see the diverse crowd and people just enjoying the beautiful holiday, celebrating our freedom and religious tolerance," said a man in the crowd.
And some of the little ones at the celebration looked forward to their favorite part of Hanukkah.
Chung: What do you like about Hanukkah?
Little boy: Getting presents.
Hot latkes were on-hand to mark the eight-night festival, as the menorah stood tall to hopefully light a brighter future.
"It's going to give me a lot of hope that children are going to grow up in a happier world, and a more peaceful world," one attendee said.
The giant menorah in Grand Army Plaza will be lit every night throughout the Hanukkah holiday, and each night there will be live music, hot latkes, and plenty of gifts for children.