- December 16, 2025
Barbra Gary holds up a menorah and other items available for purchase at Chabad of Palm Coast's Chanukah Jewish Festival at European Village on Dec. 15. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Rabbi Levi Ezagui announces the lightning of the menorah with Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Dr. Laz and his band performed at Chabad of Palm Coast's Chanukah Jewish Festival at European Village. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Huda and Nafi Hershkowitz brought a football to play with at Chabad of Palm Coast's Chanukah Jewish Festival at European Village. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Yuliya Zilper, Vladimir Blay and Seava Kaganovich at Chabad of Palm Coast's Chanukah Jewish Festival at European Village. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Children have a balloon sword fight at Chabad of Palm Coast's Chanukah Jewish Festival at European Village. Photo by Brent Woronoff
The dreidel mascot dances at the Chabad of Palm Coast's eighth annual Chanukah Jewish Festival at European Village. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Chabad of Palm Coast member Scotty Dubrow helped run a table at the festival. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Children enjoy the petting zoo at the Chanukah Jewish Festival on Dec. 15 at the European Village in Palm Coast. Photo by Brent Woronoff
A petting zoo was among the activities for children at the eighth annual Chanukah Jewish Festival at the European Village in Palm Coast. Photo by Brent Woronoff
The eighth annual Chanukah Jewish Festival hosted by Chabad of Palm Coast on Monday, Dec. 15, at European Village featured a concert by musical virtuoso Dr. Laz and his band; train rides, a petting zoo, balloon twisting and face painting for children; the dreidel mascot dancing and greeting festival goers; latkes, doughnuts and Starbucks coffee; a gift booth; and the grand menorah lighting.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly and Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris joined Chabad of Palm Coast Rabbi Levi Ezagui in lighting the menorah on the second night of Chanukah.
Rabbi Ezagui told attendees the story of Chanukah when more than 2,100 years ago, the Maccabees, a band of Jewish freedom fighters, drove out the Syrian-Greek rulers who had desecrated the holy temple in Jerusalem.
“The Jewish people faced a world that felt overwhelming,” Rabbi Ezagui said. “A small nation stood under the rule of the mighty Syrian-Greek Empire, an empire that sought not only to dominate land, but to erase the Jewish faith, values and identity.”
As the temple menorah’s light was rekindled, with one day’s supply of oil miraculously lasting eight days, “that single flame pushed back darkness,” Rabbi Ezagui said.
But, he added, “Once more, the Jewish people face a world where hatred is loud.”
The Palm Coast festival was held just one day after 15 people were killed by gunmen at a Chabad Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, Australia, outside of Sydney.
“As we witness what happened in Sydney, lives were tragically taken during a Jewish Chanukah gathering,” Rabbi Ezagui said. “Among those killed was a fellow Chabad rabbi who leaves behind his wife and four children as well as many families’ loved ones and an entire community now living the profound loss. Many others were injured and countless lives were shaken.
“May God bring comfort and peace to the families of all those who were killed,” he added. “Grant healing to those that were injured, and strengthen those who are mourning. Once more, the Jewish people face a world where hatred is loud … and where darkness often seems overwhelming.”
Ezagui told the Palm Coast festival goers that they are the Maccabees of today.
“If you're here tonight, it's because you believe that a little light dispels a lot of darkness,” he said.
Sheriff Staly echoed those sentiments.
“Each individual has the power to illuminate the entire world,” he said in his comments.
Then Ezagui, Norris, Staly and festival sponsors, the Krayter and Pekarsky families, lit the grand menorah.
