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Just weeks after terrorists murdered 130 people on the streets of Paris, an estimated 6,000 people gathered tonight at the Eiffel Tower to watch the lighting of a 30-foot-tall menorah on the first night of Chanukah. The annual public menorah-lighting at the base of the iconic Eiffel Tower—a decades-old French tradition—is organized annually by Chabad-Lubavitch.

The eight-day holiday began after sundown on Sunday, Dec. 6.

Before the event started, individuals milled about in the 50-degree weather—fairly mild for a European evening in December. Parents held young children, while others clapped along to the live music, waiting patiently as the crowd grew larger and the speakers became more animated. “Quelle joie extraordinaire!”—“What extraordinary joy!” rang out in the night air.

The first candle on the giant menorah was lit by Chief Rabbi of France Haim Korsia. In French, he said: “For more than 2,200 years, the Jewish people have kindled the lights with hope in mankind and an affirmation of their belief in God.”

After the lighting, he added: “You see beyond the Chanukah lights, the first light that ushers in the possible. Earlier, my friend reminded me that I am the spiritual adviser for a ground army, whose motto is: ‘Anything beyond the possible.’ ”

In addition to the sizable crowd of local residents and guests, the event was attended by leaders of the French Jewish community, members of the Paris city council and representatives of the French government.

A guest appearance was also made by well-known actor and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who insisted that “good prevails over evil” and wished everyone a “Happy Chanukah!” He then proceeded to dance with the crowd.

(Source: Chabad.org)