The governor of New Jersey, the Honorable Phil Murphy, celebrated a pre-Chanukah reception at the official governor’s residence, Drumthwacket. The governor invited over 100 leaders of the Jewish community in New Jersey, including many members of the Jewish community that recently witnessed the shooting tragedy in Jersey City. Chabad rabbis of Chabad House of Rutgers University, Rabbi Yosef Carlebach and Rabbi Mendy Carlebach were welcomed by the governor.

Governor Murphy and first lady Tammy Murphy were accompanied by New Jersey State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and Jared Maples, director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. Both the first lady and the governor were very emotional when they related the story of the recent act of terrorism and killing of innocents in Jersey City, and the governor vowed to increase the security for the faith-based community throughout the state of New Jersey. A silver menorah was lit at the pre-Chanukah ceremony as everyone stood in solidarity with the Jewish community.