Rockland Holds Back-to-Back Holiday Display Lighting Events

NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County kicked off the holiday season with back-t0-back ceremonial holiday display lighting events. Dozens of residents, elected officials and members of the Rockland County Catholic Coalition and Chabad Of Rockland met outside the Allison-Parris County Office Building in a show of unity.

“It is more important than ever that we gather together, regardless of religion, to celebrate this holiday season,” said County Executive Ed Day. “There is plenty of room in Rockland to accommodate every religion, culture and ethnicity; all of us are enriched by exposure to cultures and beliefs other than our own. God made each of us unique for a reason; we must learn from each other; listen to each other and reject intolerance in all its forms.”

The Blessing of the Nativity Creche was held at 4:30 p,m, followed by the singing of Christmas carols.

The Rockland County Catholic Coalition organized the event which has been taking place for over two decades.

The Lighting of the Menorah took place at 5 p.m. and included Chanukah refreshments and music.

Chabad of Rockland sponsored the event, which was organized by Rabbi Simcha Morgenstern, Director of Outreach and Education for Chabad Lubavitch of Rockland.

Legislators Toney Earl, Phil Soskin, Aney Paul, Aron Wieder and Lon Hofstein were among those who attended.

"It was wonderful to see such support between people, no matter their religious beliefs, during these celebrations," Hofstein said. "Together, we are better, and these two events clearly showed that."

The creche and the 15-foot menorah are on display outside the front of the Allison-Parris County Office Building at 11 New Hempstead Road in New City.