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Gov. Schwarzenegger Celebrates Chanukah Season at Capitol Menorah Ceremony

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and local leaders of the Jewish community today joined Chabad of California to celebrate the season of Chanukah at the 15th annual Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony. This year's celebration honored Project PRIDE, the Chabad-sponsored outreach program that helps prevent drug use by promoting positive alternatives and also dedicated the Capitol Menorah to the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India.

"The lighting of the menorah brings the universal message of hope and freedom to all Californians as we come together and celebrate the Festival of Lights," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "In these tough times this menorah represents a beacon of light to people who need it most and also reminds us all of the courage and strength showed by those who sacrificed their lives during the terrible tragedy in Mumbai."

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger delivers remarks at 15th annual Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony.Photo by Peter Grigsby, Office of the Governor.

Project PRIDE is a community outreach program that enables mental health professionals, recovering addicts and local volunteers to visit schools and talk about the dangers of substance abuse. Local Chabad branches have participated in Project PRIDE for more than two decades.

During the ceremony, the Governor also participated in a memorial tribute to honor the Chabad representatives who were victims of the Mumbai terrorist attacks that occurred this past November. Approximately 175 people were killed and another 300 injured including six people who were held hostage at the local Chabad center. Among those who died were two Chabad emissaries to Mumbai, Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg and his wife, Rivkah. The two are survived by their two-year-old son, Moshe.

West Coast Chabad Director Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin and Chabad of Monterey Rabbi Dovid Holtzberg present Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with a special gift box at 15th annual Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Peter Grigsby, Office of the Governor.

Led by West Coast Chabad Director Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin, the 15th annual Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony included musical performances by the Pacific Boychoir and the Sid Engel Orchestra.

The Capitol Menorah was made locally in Sacramento. It is made of steel, weighs one-half ton and stands 13 feet high by nine feet across. In 2006, the Capitol Menorah was painted by children with special needs in Chabad's Friendship Circle program.