Ten years ago, the World Trade Center was destroyed by terrorists who viewed American values and culture as a mortal enemy; and darkness descended on the city of New York.
In 1981, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey asked the design team of Bonnie and Michael Berkowicz (www.berkowiczdesign.com) to create two new Chanukah Menorahs for the World Trade Center lobbies. Bonnie and Michael sought to capture the essence of those magnificent buildings and created two seven-foot tall menorahs using stainless steel, brass and marble.
For many years these unique Menorahs were kindled in the lobbies of both World Trade Center buildings every holiday season.
And then came 9/11......
As we all know, the holiday of Chanukah is about dedication, and re-dedication. It’s about deep dedication to timeless values and the capacity to rededicate oneself to those values even when the forces that seek to destroy them seem to be triumphant.
This special year - 9/11/11 - a small ray of light will once again triumph over darkness. We have launched a worldwide effort that we hope will culminate in the recreation and rededication of this unique and symbolic Chanukah Menorah to be displayed proudly when the new World Trade Center opens again.
The Port Authority Shomrim Society of New York is looking forward to the first Chanukah after the opening of the World Trade Center when the lights of the Menorah will once again shine forth from lower Manhattan and serve as a source of inspiration and hope for the people of New York, and indeed, the world.
