Syracuse, NY -- The menorah is missing from in front of Chabad House, again. It’s the third time it’s happened in the past decade, said Rabbi Yaakov Rapoport, director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Central New York. The first time the menorah was returned with a note. The second time he discovered it had been moved to a spot beside the...
Rabbi Yaakov RapoportIt’s the third time it’s happened in the past decade, said Rabbi Yaakov Rapoport, director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Central New York. The first time the menorah was returned with a note. The second time he discovered it had been moved to a spot beside the Ostrom Avenue building.
Rapoport said the menorah went missing during the weekend or perhaps on Monday. He reported it to the police and has looked around to see if it might have been simply moved again. As of Thursday, he’s found nothing.
“It’s probably some kids and a prank,” Rapoport said, “but based on what’s happening someone would probably have to live in a cave to not realize this could be seen as an act of anti-Semitism.”
The steel menorah is a gold or bronze color about four or five feet high and six feet across at the widest point, Rapoport said. It’s too heavy for one person to carry very far on foot, he said.
In fact, he said, one reason it has been kept in front of Chabad House is because it’s easier to leave there than to try to store it someplace.
Rapoport asked that anyone who might know where the menorah is call Chabad House at 424-0363, or call the police.
Contact Charles McChesney at cmcchesney@syracuse.com.