Update: The Dunwoody Homeowners Association has reported the fundraising goal for the menorah has been reached and it will be on display at the city’s holiday kickoff.
Organizers of the city’s Light Up Dunwoody ceremony on Nov. 17 want the event to have special significance this year and into perpetuity.
A group led by Jeannie Sekulow Posner is attempting to raise $4,000 to purchase a 13-foot menorah for the ceremony to honor Rose Lubin, the Dunwoody High School graduate who was killed Nov. 7, 2023 while serving with the Israeli Defense Force in Jerusalem.
Lubin, 20, the daughter of Robin and David Lubin, was killed in a knife attack near Herod’s Gate. After the assault, her alleged attacker, a 16-year-old Palestinian, was shot dead by border patrol officers. Another Israeli border patrol officer was wounded during the incident.
The attack came a month after Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,400 people and taking more than 200 Israelis hostage.
“This menorah, a symbol of resilience and hope, will serve as a testament to our shared values and will be dedicated to the memory of a true Dunwoody hero, Rose Lubin,” Posner said. “Rose’s selflessness and bravery embody the very spirit of Hanukkah, standing as a beacon of protection and pride for our Jewish community.”
Posner said fundraising efforts so far have been successful.
“We’ve had a couple of big donations but a lot of them have been $18 or $36,” she said. “It’s really great to see the community coming together for Rose.”
Both numbers have special meaning in the Jewish faith, with gifts of often given in that denomination or multiples of it.
Posner is a longtime member of the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, which puts on the Light Up Dunwoody event.
The event, held at the Shops of Dunwoody, traditionally starts around 2 p.m. with food, musical and dance performances and children’s games, followed by the lighting of the tree and menorah around 6 p.m.
If enough is raised for the menorah, the funds will be donated to the DHA to purchase it, and designate it as a permanent tribute to Lubin at this year’s and future Light Up ceremonies.
Donations can be sent via Venmo to Posner, @JeanniePosner. Designate “Menorah” into the “What’s this for?” line. The last four numbers of her phone number are 7603 for those who wish to donate and encounter the security step.
In addition, the Global Action Institute, based in Alpharetta, is accepting online donations for Lubin’s menorah through its secure server, accepting PayPal, Venmo or credit card.