Despite frigid temperatures, hundreds of community members descended on City Center for Jewish Peninsula’s 19th annual Hanukkah menorah lighting, transforming concerns about safety and weather into a powerful statement of resilience and community solidarity.

The event took on heightened significance following an attack earlier in the day at a Hanukkah lighting ceremony in Sydney, Australia. While some had called for cancellation due to both security concerns and the well-below-freezing temperatures, organizers and community leaders decided that gathering publicly was more important than ever.

“In moments like these, we face a choice: retreat in fear, or stand together in the light,” said Eric Maurer, CEO of Jewish Peninsula, in a statement released before the event. “Come to the menorah lighting. Bring your children. Bring your neighbors. Bring a friend who needs to see that hatred doesn’t win, that community endures, that we celebrate our traditions openly and proudly. This is exactly the moment when showing up matters most.”

As darkness fell on the first night of Hanukkah, the plaza filled with families, neighbors and community members who chose light over fear. Among the crowd were prominent elected officials including Congressman Bobby Scott and Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones, who addressed the gathering.

“Today’s attack at a Hanukkah lighting in Sydney is a heartbreaking reminder that hate still threatens moments meant for peace and joy,” Mayor Jones said. “Our hearts are with the victims, their families and the Jewish community around the world. Here in Newport News, we came together to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah—lifting up the values of light over darkness, hope over fear and peace for all.”

Jewish Peninsula President Steve Marks emphasized the symbolic importance of the gathering despite the harsh conditions. “It’s wonderful to gather together tonight—friends, families, neighbors—to bring a bit more light into a world that always needs it. And, I might add, a bit more warmth into a night that needs it,” Marks said. “Hanukkah reminds us that even the smallest flame can push back a great deal of darkness. Each candle we add is a reminder of courage, resilience and the belief that hope can outlast even the toughest moments. And when we stand together—our lights burn even brighter.”

The evening also featured a special honor, as Jewish Peninsula presented its inaugural Lamplighter Award to Newport News Police Department Detective Rhett Henley in recognition of his service to the Jewish community. Detective Henley was given the privilege of lighting the grand menorah alongside community leaders.

The event marked nearly two decades of Jewish Peninsula bringing the community together for this annual celebration, which has become a cherished tradition in Newport News. What began as an empty, frozen plaza transformed into a testament to the enduring power of community, faith and the refusal to let fear extinguish the light.

As the menorah’s flames flickered against the winter darkness, the message was clear: on the Virginia Peninsula, community stands together, especially when it matters most.