Detroit to Host Israeli Family's First Major Celebration Since Release from Captivity at Menorah in the D Event.
The city of Detroit will be abuzz with excitement as it hosts one of Michigan's largest Hanukkah celebrations, featuring an emotional reunion between a family reunited after being held captive by Hamas for nearly two years. Ella Ben Ami, who traveled all the way from Israel to attend the event, has shared her harrowing experience of waiting in captivity for what felt like an eternity.
Her parents, Raz and Ohad Ben Ami, were taken hostage on October 7th last year as part of a Hamas attack that saw over 251 people kidnapped. Ohad was finally released on February 8th after being held captive for 491 days, while his mother was freed after 54 days. Their ordeal has come to an end, and Ella is now set to light the Menorah in Cadillac Square alongside her father.
The event, known as Menorah in the D, marks its 14th annual celebration of Jewish religious freedom. Drawing thousands to downtown Detroit each year, it features a stunning 26-foot-tall menorah, live music, and other cultural activities that showcase the city's diverse community spirit. Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan, described Menorah in the D as a celebration that "embodies the strength and unity" of Detroit.
The event is set to take place on December 14th in Cadillac Square, starting at 5 pm with the menorah lighting ceremony beginning at sundown. The best part? It's free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for everyone to join in the joy and spirit of Hanukkah.
The city of Detroit will be abuzz with excitement as it hosts one of Michigan's largest Hanukkah celebrations, featuring an emotional reunion between a family reunited after being held captive by Hamas for nearly two years. Ella Ben Ami, who traveled all the way from Israel to attend the event, has shared her harrowing experience of waiting in captivity for what felt like an eternity.
Her parents, Raz and Ohad Ben Ami, were taken hostage on October 7th last year as part of a Hamas attack that saw over 251 people kidnapped. Ohad was finally released on February 8th after being held captive for 491 days, while his mother was freed after 54 days. Their ordeal has come to an end, and Ella is now set to light the Menorah in Cadillac Square alongside her father.
The event, known as Menorah in the D, marks its 14th annual celebration of Jewish religious freedom. Drawing thousands to downtown Detroit each year, it features a stunning 26-foot-tall menorah, live music, and other cultural activities that showcase the city's diverse community spirit. Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan, described Menorah in the D as a celebration that "embodies the strength and unity" of Detroit.
The event is set to take place on December 14th in Cadillac Square, starting at 5 pm with the menorah lighting ceremony beginning at sundown. The best part? It's free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for everyone to join in the joy and spirit of Hanukkah.
they should do more events like this to bring people together it's amazing that Ella gets 2 light the menorah with her dad after everything she & her parents went thru it's such an emotional reunion 
can't wait 2 c how beautiful it looks in cadillac square gonna have 2 grab a spot early tho 
️ OMG, can you even imagine being held captive for almost two years?! 
I'm so glad Ella and her dad are finally back together again! It's amazing that Detroit is hosting this big celebration for them - it's such a kind gesture. I've heard good things about Menorah in the D from friends who go every year, but to be honest, I've never been myself... 
Maybe this will inspire me to check it out! The menorah in Cadillac Square sounds so cool - 26 feet tall is crazy! 
I'm definitely gonna look into watching the ceremony online or something. It's great that it's free and open to everyone, too - more Hanukkah cheer for everyone! 
it just goes to show that love and unity can overcome even the toughest of circumstances my husband and I celebrated Hanukkah with our kids every year when they were little we would always light the menorah together as a family and talk about the importance of freedom and kindness 
Detroit's Menorah in the D event is like a shining beacon of hope... for people who enjoy being surrounded by giant candles 
. I mean, who needs personal space when you can have thousands of strangers waving menorahs around? 
But seriously, it's great that Ella and her family are finally able to celebrate Hanukkah in peace after their harrowing experience.
Just kidding, sort of. Seriously though, it's awesome that Detroit is hosting this celebration and providing a platform for the community to come together and show their spirit.
My heart goes out to the Ben Ami family, especially Ella who had to wait all this time for her parents' freedom. It's just so emotional thinking about them finally being reunited 
. I'm so grateful that Ella gets to light the Menorah alongside her dad - it's like, totally meant to be! 
. And the best part? It's FREE?! 
Like, what more could we ask for?!
i love how detroit is coming together to celebrate this amazing family's freedom 
it's like a big ol' hug for everyone involved 
and its free for everyone to join in 
december 14th can't wait for sundown 
it's gonna be a magical night 
️
just think about all those people waiting & praying for their loved ones to be safe back home... 491 days is crazy!!! 
. The fact that this event is FREE and open to everyone is just incredible, you know? It's all about spreading love and unity 
. I'm defo planning on attending Menorah in the D with my crew and we're gonna rock that Cadillac Square!
. Can't wait to see the stunning menorah in Cadillac Square!
guess what i love eating falafel more than pizza lol anyway back to detroit... have you guys ever been to the dequindre cut in hamtramck? its literally my fave spot to take a chill walk along the canals and grab some food at the market 
And honestly, I'm curious about Ella's experience in captivity... how did she even cope with being stuck in a situation like that for so long?