PALMETTO BAY, Fla. (WSVN) – Survivors of the Oct. 7 attack in Israel recorded a meaningful moment with the lighting of the Palmetto Bay Menorah.
Sunday’s party commemorated the fifth night of Hanukkah, but behind the EDM beats, the occasion was about more than observing a festival of lights. It was a tribute to survivors who represented a more recent era of great darkness.
Fourteen months ago, Rom Elhai was about 5,600 miles from South Florida when he suddenly found himself running for his life at the Nova Music Festival.
“I know October 7th was a journey. It was a journey from light to darkness. It went from dancing for my life on the dance floor to hiding in the bushes and praying for my life just an hour later. “It’s been a journey,” he said.
Elhai shared his experience at a relatively new menorah lighting ceremony.
“The Rabbi and I have talked many times about starting a menorah lighting in the Village of Palmetto Bay,” said Palmetto Bay Mayor Karin Cunningham. “So we started small in 2019.”
Elhai said he was honored to be asked to share his story of survival on Nova with everyone, not just those who share his faith.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re Jewish or non-Jewish, it doesn’t matter what politician they vote for. It doesn’t matter if people just want to be together and help each other, and unity is what makes us stand up and spread the light.” It helps me keep going.”
After offering blessings, it was time to light candles and enjoy a sense of unity.
Even after the horror of the terrorist attack, Elhai said she has shown resilience and can still find moments of joy.
“Happy Hanukkah, we never stop dancing,” he said.
By October 7, 2023, Elhai traveled all over the world to attend music festivals. He now travels to share his story of survival from that day.
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