Mayor Eric Adams Declares Himself a Maccabee at Chanukah Farewell

In a stirring and heartfelt farewell to New York’s Jewish community, Mayor Eric Adams made a powerful statement during what is widely seen as his final Chanukah celebration in office: “I am a Maccabee.”

Breaking from formal protocol, Adams stepped out from behind security barriers to speak directly from the crowd, blurring the lines between leader and community. “I wanted to come down among you,” he told attendees. “All of these ropes keep us away from each other.”

His appearance at the event, which took place just 17 days before Zohran Mamdani is set to assume the mayoralty, was deeply personal and unapologetically passionate. Adams used the moment not to reflect on politics, but to affirm his solidarity with Jews facing a rise in global antisemitism.

Rejecting the notion that antisemitism is rooted in Israel or modern politics, Adams reminded the audience that Jews have been persecuted for centuries simply for being Jewish. His words struck a chord in a climate where Jewish communities around the world are grappling with increased hostility and misinformation.

“We need to remember history, not revise it,” Adams said. “Antisemitism existed long before the State of Israel. This hatred targets who you are not what you believe or where you live.”

With a symbolic nod to Jewish tradition, Adams called on his listeners to draw strength from the Maccabees, the Jewish heroes who defied oppression and rededicated the Holy Temple. “I am a Maccabee,” he declared. “You are Maccabees. And we will stand together, now and always.”

Despite recent controversies and a turbulent political transition, Adams was resolute in his commitment to continue supporting the Jewish community, saying, “I’m not going anywhere.”

His message, grounded in unity and resistance to hate, resonated across a city that has long served as a haven for Jewish life. As New York prepares for new leadership, Adams’s parting words underscored a legacy of standing shoulder to shoulder with one of its most vibrant and resilient communities.

As we light the Chanukah candles and remember the Maccabees, let us also honor those today who raise their voices in solidarity. Share this moment and subscribe to our newsletter for stories that celebrate Jewish pride and the enduring strength of our communities.