Several Goodyear residents urged city leaders Monday night to relocate the city’s Hanukkah menorah to a more visible location, saying its current placement for a second consecutive year sends an unintentional message of exclusion.
Speakers told the city council the menorah positioned among dense landscaping, facing the parking lot instead of into the square, unlike the Christmas tree and other holiday decorations was nearly impossible to find and failed to reflect the city’s stated commitment to inclusion.
“I come to you today concerned that I’m not recognized, respected and valued in the city’s holiday celebrations,” said resident Jill Burnham, noting she has raised the issue for three years. “No Goodyear resident wants to be marginalized.”
Chana Zaklikofsky, a leaderhip member at the Chabad Jewish Center of Goodyear, said the menorah’s visibility is especially important during Hanukkah, which runs Dec. 15-22 this year.
“The menorah is a universal symbol of light,” she said. “By displaying it in a visible, welcoming location, we are affirming a message of hope, diversity and inclusion.”
Zaklikofsky also cited a 1989 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld the constitutionality of menorahs displayed as part of municipal holiday decorations, arguing the symbol represents themes of freedom, light and community solidarity.
Residents Janet and Richard Kirshbaum said they were “appalled” to see the menorah again placed separately from other displays despite previous discussions with city leadership.
“This is not simply a matter of aesthetics. It’s a matter of dignity, inclusion and equal representation,” Janet Kirshbaum said. “We are not asking for special treatment, we are asking for the most basic standard of fairness.”
Members of the Drossos family, Shanon, Demitri and Malachi, said their family came across the menorah only by accident.
“It was the first time we’d ever seen it, and we just stumbled upon it,” Demitri Drossos said, adding that equal visibility is important to residents who celebrate Hanukkah.
City Manager Wynette Reed emphasized staff had not intentionally sidelined the menorah and the placement was made by an outside contractor following a layout map. She said the Wednesday meeting will allow the city ensure the menorah is properly displayed for the remainder of the holiday season.
Reed and Mayor Joe Pizzillo told residents they have scheduled an on-site meeting for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, to review the menorah’s placement, visibility, and lighting. The meeting will take place at 1900 N. Civic Square in front of the city’s main stage, where staff and community members will walk the site to evaluate alternative, higher-visibility locations.
Reed said the review will include identifying possible new sites closer to the Christmas tree and central holiday display and discussing a plan to illuminate it with blue lighting from below to ensure visibility at night.
“Anyone who would like to have input as to the relocation of the menorah is welcome to join us,” Reed said, “We recognize it’s not in the best location.”
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
By 
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here