Sullivan County District Attorney Brian Conaty Holds Menorah Lighting at DA Office With Local Law Enforcement and Community Leaders

On Monday afternoon, Sullivan County DA Conaty hosted a menorah lighting ceremony at his office with the presence of Jewish constituents, community leaders, and local law enforcement officials.

Rabbi Moshe Indig of the WJCC addressed those in attendance, sharing words about community, unity, and the importance of coming together for a shared cause.

Rabbi Joel Friedman, chaplain and liaison for the DA’s office, as well as a Law enforcement’s chaplain and liaison to a number of other law enforcement agencies in New York and New Jersey, was invited to light the Menorah and presided over the proceedings.   

Dignitaries included the police chiefs from the Fallsburg, and Liberty police departments, New York State Police officials, Probation,  and the entire staff of the Sullivan County DA’s office. 

DA Conaty began the proceedings with a proclamation that “hate has no place in Sullivan County, and perpetrators of hate crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” against the backdrop of the horrific terrorist  attack on a Menorah lighting ceremony in Sydney, Australia on the first night of Chanukah. 

This message resonated strongly among the community leaders representing  communities who make their home in Sullivan County. 

Rabbi Joel  Friedman, who works with the DA’s office as a Chaplain and Liaison around the year expressed his deep thanks to the DA and his staff for keeping the community safe. “Chanukah, our holiday of praise and thanks, is an opportune time to reflect on the incredible work of this team which works tirelessly for every resident of Sullivan County throughout the year,” Rabbi Friedman said. 

Chief Scott Kinne, who was recently appointed  to chief of investigators at the DA’s office, was presented with a community service award in recognition of his tireless work for the community. 

Partaking in Chanukah treats in an atmosphere of camaraderie and togetherness, all those in attendance truly felt the light of Chanukah amid the snow and frigidity of upstate New York.