Hundreds attend Hanukkah unity event as Brevard deputies investigate vandalism of signs

J.D. Gallop, Florida Today
·2 min read
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Hundreds of Space Coast residents turned out for music, celebration and a call for unity during an annual Hanukkah celebration organizers say was made more relevant in wake of the Israeli-Hamas war and a rising spike in antisemitism worldwide.

Sunday's celebration, which drew up to 1,000 people to the Chabad of the Space and Treasure Coast location on Lake Andrew Drive in Viera, took place hours after someone vandalized several of the festival signs in the area.

Chabad of the Space & Treasure Coast presented the Israel Unity parade and celebration on Sunday, including a concert by the Kavana Band and a menorah lighting ceremony at Chabad Viera. The free event was open to the public.
Chabad of the Space & Treasure Coast presented the Israel Unity parade and celebration on Sunday, including a concert by the Kavana Band and a menorah lighting ceremony at Chabad Viera. The free event was open to the public.

"Let us stand shoulder to shoulder; may God bless every one of you. Let's not wait for Hamas to bring us together, oh, no ... let us (God), the creator of the world, bring us together," said Rabbi Zvi Konikov during his Hanukkah speech in the center's auditorium.

The event, billed as an "Israel Unity" gathering to show support for the Jewish state and the kidnapped Israelis captured Oct. 7 by Hamas, began with a procession from the Chabad's Satellite Beach synagogue at 3:30 p.m., with more than 100 cars topped with menorahs making their way to the Lake Andrew site in Viera.

Earlier, Brevard County sheriff's deputies investigated the vandalism of several "Israel Unity" signs before the annual Hanukkah parade got underway. No arrests were made but uniformed sheriff's deputies were a visible presence at the site, mingling with the crowd.

More: Space Coast Unity parade for Israel, Hanukkah more relevant than ever, rabbi says

Konikov, parade organizer, talked with Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey about the messages scrawled on the signs.

One, on the back of an "Israel Unity" sign said "Free Gaza," and the other featured an expletive. Red spray paint was found on four signs along north Wickham Road and on Lake Andrew. The event organizers had placed signs picturing the hostages kidnapped by Hamas militants during the terrorist attack on southern Israel.

The back of an "Israel Unity" sign was vandalized with the words "Free Gaza" Sunday, before an annual Hanukkah celebration.
The back of an "Israel Unity" sign was vandalized with the words "Free Gaza" Sunday, before an annual Hanukkah celebration.

"It's surprising around here that there are things like that," said Konikov of the defaced signs, some of which were located across the street from the synagogue in Viera.

"I know there is darkness out there but this is close."

The sheriff's office did not return inquiries about the investigation.

Chabad of the Space & Treasure Coast presented the Israel Unity parade and celebration on Sunday, including a Chanukah concert by the Kavana Band and a menorah lighting ceremony at Chabad Viera. The free event was open to the public.
Chabad of the Space & Treasure Coast presented the Israel Unity parade and celebration on Sunday, including a Chanukah concert by the Kavana Band and a menorah lighting ceremony at Chabad Viera. The free event was open to the public.

Kosher hot dogs, hamburgers and other items were sold as attendees were handed free menorahs and given opportunities to recite prayers traditionally. An indoor menorah was lit by special guests and a special prayer for the return of more than 120 remaining hostages was recited.

The fifth night of Hanukkah — the eight-day Jewish festival of lights — begins at sundown Monday.

J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Signs defaced before Hanukkah celebration; Brevard deputies investigate