Menorah Lighting Coming To Site Of Antisemitic Graffiti In Bethesda

BETHESDA, MD — The Glen Echo Fire Department and Chabad Jewish Center of Bethesda will welcome the Chanukah holiday with a first-night menorah lighting on Dec. 18 along the Bethesda Trolley Trail, where antisemitic graffiti was found in November.

The menorah lighting will take place at the 10400 Fleming Avenue bicycle trolley trail site at about 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18. The lighting will be preceded and followed by a festive parade through Bethesda led by a fire engine and several decorated vehicles.

Last month, antisemitic graffiti was found near the trolley trail in Bethesda’s Grosvenor Woods community.

“This dark act left us sickened by feelings of shock and sadness. We believe the most appropriate response is one that brings the community together with a message of light and hope,” Chabad of Bethesda Rabbi Sender Geisinsky said in a statement.

The Dec. 18 event will begin with a first-night Chanukah lighting of a 6-foot menorah and party at Glen Echo Fire Department at 5920 Massachusetts Ave. at 6 p.m. The party will be followed by a parade of vehicles topped with Menorah displays and led by a fire engine and Glen Echo Fire Department’s other apparatus.

The vehicle parade will make stops in Brookmont and Springfield/Woodacres, where Judah Macabee and Glen Echo Fire Department volunteers will hand out sweets and treats.

At the site of the antisemitic graffiti on Fleming Avenue in Bethesda, a menorah will be lit.

“On this night we will celebrate the power of courage and love over hate. Let there be no mistake: Bethesda will not be darkened by the shadows of fear; we will bravely stand together with hope and light,” Glen Echo Fire Department’s Lt. Jane Callen said.