Downtown Fort Myers adds menorah to holiday decor for Hanukkah

Downtown Fort Myers is adding a special touch to its holiday scene this year. Amidst the giant red bows and green garlands, a new symbol of hope and resilience has emerged.

"Lo and behold, there's a giant menorah in here, which is awesome," said Adam, a Fort Myers neighbor.

Adam walks his dog, Roxy, through Common Ground Park every morning, and the holiday decor has become a part of their routine.

"We have, like, little LED up candy canes, and the palm trees are all sort of wrapped, like candy canes and Nutcracker elements. It's great," said Adam.

Adam believes the addition of the menorah is a welcome and overdue change.

"I can't believe it's taken them this long to be honest," he said.

Bridget Bruchalski, a WINK News reporter, highlighted the significance of the menorah as a symbol of light and resilience for the local Jewish community, especially after a recent tragic event. A mass shooting on Sydney's Bondi Beach in Australia occurred on the first night of Hanukkah.

"It's painful. It's traumatic. There's nothing positive about that experience, nothing," said Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz of Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida.

Rabbi Minkowicz emphasized the importance of the menorah as a symbol of remembrance for those affected by the tragedy.

"One of the several that were killed is a Chabad young rabbi, Rabbi Shlanger, whom I know personally, and it hit even more home," he said.

The community's response to the violence is to promote peace and light.

"Our response is one response only, light. We have to continue to be a light to dispel the darkness," said Rabbi Minkowicz.

Neighbors are invited to attend the lighting ceremony in Common Ground Park for all eight nights of Hanukkah in downtown Fort Myers. The ceremonies will take place each night from Dec. 14 to Dec. 22.

There will also be other Hanukkah events across the community:

Lee County

Temple Beth El Family Hanukkah Celebration — Fort Myers