LOS ANGELES, CA – On Tuesday, December 19, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles hosted a Chanukah Celebration with Los Angeles elected officials and community leaders. Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti attended the event, in addition to the following elected and local officials: State Senator Bob Hertzberg, Assemblymember Richard Bloom, Assemblymember Laura Friedman, Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, City Attorney Mike Feuer, Councilmember Paul Koretz, Councilmember David Ryu, and LA Community College Boardmember Scott Svonkin. Jay Sanderson, President of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles gave remarks on behalf of the Federation. Deputy Consul General of Israel Eitan Weiss gave remarks on behalf of the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles.
Jay Sanderson, President & CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles said, “We are honored to host Los Angeles elected officials and community leaders at The Jewish Federation to celebrate Chanukah. Together with our partners, we touch every Jewish life, and we are committed to making an impact locally, nationally, and internationally. Chanukah is a time for us to come together and celebrate our work, our community, and the miracles that happen each and every day. We are grateful to Mayor Eric Garcetti, our distinguished guests and leaders, and alumni of our leadership programs for joining us. Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year.”
“During Chanukah, we remember a story about the triumph of resilience and the unifying power of hope,” said Mayor Garcetti. “The Jewish Federation’s work across the city touches the lives of countless Angelenos — and reminds us that our good deeds light the lives of others.”
Rabbi Ilana Grinblat, Vice President of Community Engagement for the Board of Rabbis at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, led the community in candle lighting and blessings for the occasion. She shared her thoughts on the holiday and how the lessons from the biblical story apply to today.
Over 120 people attended the Chanukah celebration, including community activists and members, alumni and participants of Federation’s CLI (Community Leadership Institute) and NLP (Rautenberg New Leaders Project) programs. Guests enjoyed traditional Chanukah treats including potato pancakes (latkes) and jelly doughnuts (sufganiyot).