See how a torch parade and a menorah lighting showed support for Israel

The story of Hanukkah has taken on a renewed meaning this for Jews in the Five Towns and across the world after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

Along with lighting the grand menorah on the first night of the Jewish Festival of Lights in Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park, the Chabad of the Five Towns also led what it called a “Torch of Life March” that began at Central Avenue and proceeded along Cedarhurst Avenue to the park.

David Friedman, the former ambassador to Israel and lifelong Five Towns resident, was in attendance and his son Daniel lit the grand menorah. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, an Atlantic Beach resident, who is the first Jewish county executive also took part in the festivities.

There was also live music, doughnuts, a glow robot and glow giveaways.

Throughout the eight-day holiday different people lit the menorah, there was music and on the fifth night a car menorah parade and the following night a gelt drop. The final night also featured a glow night.