Residents urge Goodyear to relocate menorah to a more visible, respectful site

Members of Goodyear's Jewish community and other residents used the public-comment period to urge city officials to place the Hanukkah menorah in a more prominent and respectful position in Civic Square.

"The menorah belongs in a prominent and respectful location side by side with the Christmas tree," said Janet Kirschbaum, who described the menorah's placement as isolated and "appalling" compared with prior assurances from city staff. Chana Zelafovsky (who introduced herself at the podium) said a visible menorah affirms community inclusion and noted U.S. Supreme Court precedent on minority public displays.

Speakers recounted arriving by accident to find this year’s menorah tucked among plantings and far from the main tree. Jill Burnham told the council the issue had been raised previously and should be treated with urgency so that all residents feel recognized throughout the year.

City staff responded during the meeting that a site review had already been scheduled. An unidentified city staff member told attendees, "We had already set up a meeting to reevaluate the placement of the menorah, and that will be on Wednesday morning at 08:30 a.m." Staff also said they would explore illumination options, including blue uplighting, and that the menorah had been installed by an outside agency following a map; staff acknowledged the current location was not ideal.

The council did not take formal action during the meeting; staff invited commenters to attend the scheduled site visit and said they would follow up on relocation and lighting before the remainder of the holiday season.