The Consulate General of Israel in Miami denounced the vandalization of a menorah lit at the Miami-Dade Tax Collector's Office this week. The suspect, 46-year-old Nicholas Eichorst, is accused of knocking the menorah over and ripping its bulbs from their sockets after being caught on camera just days after the office’s first-ever Hanukkah ceremony.
"The Consulate General of Israel in Miami unequivocally condemns the vandalism of a menorah at the Miami-Dade Tax Collector's Office and any acts that target Jewish symbols, faith, or community life," Consul General of Israel in Miami Zuri Siso said.
Miami Police have since charged Eichorst with criminal mischief.
"I commend law enforcement for their swift response, including the arrest of the individual responsible, and express my sincere appreciation to Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez for his unequivocal stance against hate and his steadfast support for the Jewish community," Siso added.
Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez also condemned the incident.
“This despicable act of vandalism against our menorah is an attack on the values of faith, perseverance, and unity that Hanukkah represents and that we celebrated together just days ago,” Fernandez said in a statement.“We unequivocally stand with the Jewish community in Miami-Dade County and across the nation. Hate has no home here. Light will always prevail over darkness, and we will not be intimidated. The only way to fight darkness is with light, and I will do that every single day of my life.”
Fernandez also indicated that the tradition of lighting the menorah will continue at the office despite the act.
“When someone tries to bring down light, our responsibility is to raise it even higher,” Fernandez added. “To every Jewish family in our community, we stand with you, we support you, and we will always defend dignity, respect, and freedom of faith.”
