Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Condemns Vandalism of Menorah, Stands in Solidarity with Jewish Community

Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez today issued a strong statement denouncing the vandalism of the menorah lit during the office’s first-ever Hanukkah ceremony at the Downtown Miami office. The sacred symbol was knocked over and its bulbs ripped from their sockets in an act that has no place in Miami-Dade County and no place in a civilized society.

 

“This despicable act of vandalism against our menorah is an attack on the values of faith, perseverance, and unity that Hanukkah represents and that we celebrated together just days ago,” said Tax Collector Fernandez. “We unequivocally stand with the Jewish community in Miami-Dade County and across the nation. Hate has no home here. Light will always prevail over darkness, and we will not be intimidated. The only way to fight darkness is with light, and I will do that every single day of my life.”

 

Fernandez emphasized that the tradition of lighting the menorah at the Tax Collector’s Office will continue stronger than ever. “When someone tries to bring down light, our responsibility is to raise it even higher,” he said. “To every Jewish family in our community, we stand with you, we support you, and we will always defend dignity, respect, and freedom of faith.”

 

The incident occurred just days after the Tax Collector’s Office launched what will become an annual menorah-lighting tradition to honor the diverse faiths and cultures of Miami-Dade County. Fernandez reiterated the office’s unwavering commitment to respect, inclusion, and the safety of all residents.

'It is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing to see this happen here in our own community, in Miami Dade County To vandalize a menorah—a symbol of light, unity, and hope—is not just an act of destruction, but a painful statement about the hatred and intolerance we are confronting." said Rabbi Yossi Harlig, who presided over the Hanukkah ceremony last week.

 

“The lesson of Hanukkah is simple and powerful,” Fernandez said. “A small flame can overcome great darkness. Today, we choose to be that flame.”

 

The Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office is working with local authorities to identify the individual or individuals responsible for this act. Fernandez reaffirmed plans to relight the menorah immediately and continue the tradition with even greater resolve.