Public Employee Press

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Hanukkah reminds all of the will and determination to fight against the odds

DC 37 celebrated Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, Dec. 16, with prayer, song and traditional treats of potato latkes and jelly donuts, as members and retirees were joined by Associate Director Oliver Gray in the gallery at union headquarters.

Hanukkah "celebrates the Maccabees who are heroes of the Jewish faith, just as we union members who make New York run are this city's heroes," said Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass, the 49-year veteran chief chaplain of the Police Dept. and Local 299 member, who lit the candles of the menorah.

"The menorah connects us to the temple in Jerusalem," said Jewish Heritage Committee Chair and New York City Psychiatrists Local 1189 President Leonard Davidman. "It is important to see that the union respects everyone's religion and encourages us all to maintain our spiritual connection."

"The Maccabees battled the odds to keep Judaism alive and would not acquiesce," Kass said. "It takes a fighting spirit and determined will to do what is unpopular. This city has long ignored our needs, but DC 37 takes up our fight and humanizes our existence so the blessings this country offers can be enjoyed by the plain people as well as the billionaires."