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Video by Muli Berger @muliaerophoto https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60BZaez0Qj13JiZ64ks5_w http://COLlive.com A record large parade of 45 Mitzvah Tanks and 250 Car Menorahs drove around New York City Sunday night, sharing the message and light of the holiday of Chanukah with all. By COLlive reporter A record large parade of 45 Mitzvah Tanks and over 250 Car Menorahs drove around New York City Sunday night, sharing the message and light of the holiday of Chanukah. In these challenging times during COVID, the Parade took on new meaning, bringing joy and light to so many around the city. The Mitzvah Tank Organization planned and strategized for this year’s Menorah Parade, adding extra precautions to keep everyone safe. “We set out to make this year’s parade safe and successful, and thank G-d, we were able to accomplish that,” said Mordy Hirsch, parade director. “We were fortunate to be able to spread the light of Chanukah throughout the streets of New York City, uplifting thousands of people with the light and joy of Chanukah.” Thanks to the efforts of Devorah Halberstam, honorary NYPD commissioner and community activist, an increased amount of NYPD Highway patrol cars were available to escort the parade. Mrs. Halberstam has devoted weeks of time and effort to ensure a smooth, safe experience for all, in memory of her son, Hatomim Hakodosh Ari Halberstam, whose love for the Rebbe’s Mivtzoim and Mitzvah Tanks was known. Ari was murdered by a terrorist on the Brooklyn Bridge in 1994. Ari’s murderer was brought to justice during Chanukah, when he was found guilty following his trial. The Mitzvah Tank Organization also thanked the NYPD Highway Patrol, NYPD Brooklyn South, and 71 Precinct, as well as Deputy Inspector Richard Taylor Chief of Community Affairs for the city, Officer Mike Baratta and Lt. Ira Jablonsky for their assistance in making the parade possible, and for assistance with parking for the mitzvah tanks for the entire week of Chanukah. “The parade would not have been the success it was without the assistance of these individuals,” said Moishe Schmukler, co-director of the Mitzva Tank Organization. This year’s parade was also dedicated to Rabbi Chaim Meir Lieberman obm, who as a board member of Tzach always helped and played a vital role in all Mitzvah Tank Projects, whose yartzeit is on Chanukah. “The Mitzvah Tank Organization would like to thank each family that had a Menorah atop their car for participating in the annual Car Menorah Parade,” said Hirsch. “We also thank everyone who joined in the Rebbe’s call of Mivtzah Chanukah and persumei nisah.” “The Mitzvah Tank Organization would like to thank our VIP’s who did a phenomenal job leading the parade through the streets of New York, as well as all the Mitzvah Tanks and tankistim,” Hirsch said. “The Menorah Parade is a wonderful way to reach the masses in New York City,” said Rabbi Shmuel Butman, director Lubavitch Youth Organization and Chairman of Mitzvah Tanks. “This brings joy, enthusiasm and the spirit of Chanukah in a most practical way.” “May we merit that this Chanukah we should all join in the greatest parade of all… to the Beis Hamikdosh now.” Please give us your feedback and ideas at [email protected] or call the parade hotline at 718-804-0077 Ext. 129. The Mitzvah Tank Org. would like to thank all the Tankistim who dedicated themselves to make sure the Chanukah mitzvah tank project was a success: Shmuly Shuchat – command & control/ the man behind it all. Yehuda Keller & Binyomin Plotkin – Groups Dept Ari Schmukler – ground control Mendy Hirsch – Dispatch Dept. Hershel Marozov – drivers Dept. dispatch Shua Slavin – Parade Director Yossi Hirsch – PR Dept Benzi Sudak – supplies Dept Shmuel Fried & Yisrolik Kesselman – Shluchim Dept. The Mitzvah tank org is under the auspices of Lubavitch Youth Org.
