3rd night of Hanukkah at Union Square

for children in need. New at ten, a long standing tradition at San Francisco's Union Square is underway on this third night of an eight day celebration of Hanukkah. There was live entertainment and also added meaning to this year's gathering KTVU Zac sos attended the festivities and joins us live from the city. Zach And I'd say the mood was mostly joyous tonight, but somewhat dampened by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. >> Some of the people I spoke with with family back in Israel and they say they are sending their thoughts of light and love back overseas. >> Here we go now, standing at 25ft tall, a third light lit atop the towering menorah and Union Square marking the third day of Hanukkah. >> A San Francisco tradition that goes back 48 years, 48 years and what's going on as we try to bring the spark out of people that spark of happy ness and goodness and love and compassion. And for Bill and Gabrielian in the crowd, a day that is about spending time with your family nearby. Julie Iman Verdi. >> I wanted to come see the tree and I also wanted to come see the big menorah. >> Verderio recent convert to the Jewish faith. I grew up with this. >> Now, taking on this because the love of my life is Jewish. >> The annual lighting usually regarded as a purely joyous occasion. But this year, many in the crowd acknowledging it is difficult to celebrate it with everything that is going on with family back in Israel and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East weighing heavily on him. >> It is definitely, I would say, a little bit more rougher and emotional this time around. But again, we try to kind of compartmentalize those things and still kind of keep it more of a way to spend time with family and celebrate the best we can. >> Also with the lighting, Mike Paso in town for a conference and unable to be with family this holiday. >> My thoughts are very much with Israel. I have family there. I have friends there. I have colleagues there. A crowd full of conflicting emotions, but still hopeful about the future. >> It's still a time to celebrate love and light because despite what's going on, we should keep our faith and keep our hope up and just wish for everybody to be happy in in arms together. Hopefully one day. >> And the lighting ceremonies continue each day through Thursday in Union Square. Tomorrow's festivities kic

Channel: KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco

Views: 684

Keywords: hanukkah, chanukah, san francisco, union square, light, menorah, third night, israel hamas, judaism, jewish, religion, holidays, palestine, christmas

Id: EyHGb243kNA

Length: 2min 24sec (144 seconds)

Published: Sun Dec 10 2023