Chabad-Lubavitch of the Shoreline
Statement regarding menorah vandalism and arrests
Rabbi Yossi Yaffe
203-645-4635

On December 5, 2025, masked individuals vandalized our menorah on the Guilford Green in the middle of the night.  The Guilford Police Department launched a thorough investigation and—with the assistance of community members and local business owners—two Guilford residents were arrested. We salute the Guilford Police Department for its sensitivity and professionalism, and we thank Police Chief Christopher Massey for his leadership and wisdom.

This aberration does not represent the Guilford community. For twenty-five years, Chabad of the Shoreline’s menorah has illuminated Guilford without incident. Throughout the years, many residents from different faith communities and from across the political spectrum have expressed their appreciation and pride in having a menorah on the Guilford town green. With G-d’s help, we will continue to share the menorah’s light for many years to come!

We cherish the United States constitutional protections of our freedom of religion and expression, which allow us to practice our religion publicly and confidently. And we are thankful for the systems of law and law enforcement which ensure our ability to do so, without fear or intimidation.

When people try to extinguish the light, our response is clear—we will increase our efforts to spread it.

So here is our commitment for this upcoming Chanukah:

* Install public menorahs in Shoreline towns that do not yet have one

* Broaden the size and scope of our annual Chanukah celebrations

* Provide electric menorahs to any Shoreline business that wants one

* Increase our distribution of menorahs and candles to Jewish community members

This upcoming Friday (March 14) is the joyous holiday of Purim, a day when we celebrate the miraculous survival of the eternal Jewish people. Our observance of this 2,500-year-old holiday sends a clear message: no matter what, we will continue to joyously and confidently illuminate the world around us!

For more information on Purim, please visit us at www.JewishShoreline.org/Purim.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Yossi Yaffe

Director, Chabad of the Shoreline