Chanukah in Carefree Set to Spotlight Holocaust Survivor Jack Adler as Keynote Speaker

On December 29th, the Phoenix Holocaust Association will hold a significant event on the fifth night of Chanukah, featuring the lighting of the Menorah led by Holocaust survivor Jack Adler. As one of the few remaining survivors, Adler promises to deliver a powerful message of survival and hope amidst darkness.

Born in Poland in 1929, Adler experienced the tragic loss of his family during the Holocaust. He endured life in multiple ghettos and the brutality of three concentration camps. At just 16, he was liberated by American forces, ultimately moving to the United States as a war orphan. Despite his harrowing history, Adler now travels the world to advocate for a life free from hate, urging audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and embrace the tenets of the Golden Rule.

In conjunction with this poignant ceremony, the Phoenix Holocaust Association will provide traditional sufganiyot—Chanukah jelly doughnuts—as well as free hot coffee and hot chocolate throughout the eight nights of Chanukah celebrated in Carefree.

Looking ahead, Chanukah in Carefree will commence its eighth annual celebration from December 25, 2024, through January 1, 2025, at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion. Festivities will kick off nightly at 5:30 p.m., featuring a diverse lineup of programs aimed at fostering community spirit and supporting local charities, including the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center.

This outdoor celebration is open to all and provides a welcoming environment for individuals of every faith and denomination. Enhanced security measures will be in place to ensure a safe experience for all attendees.

For further details, community members can visit ChanukahinCarefree.com. There, they can access event schedules, live streaming links, and opportunities for donations to support this annual festive gathering.

Photos courtesy of the Phoenix Holocaust Association.