Miami Beach temple's display features Hamas hostages as Hanukkah begins

Why it matters: The Israel-Hamas war has changed some local Hanukkah traditions this year.

• Nearby on Lincoln Road, a teen Jewish pride festival coincided with the lighting of a famed seashell menorah.
• The Shul of Bal Harbour is planning a bigger-than-usual menorah lighting this week, Rabbi Sholom Lipskar told the Associated Press.

Catch up fast: Hamas and other militants captured about 247 hostages and killed more than 1,200 people during their Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

• Israel responded by invading Gaza and killing an estimated 13,300 people, according to health authorities in the Hamas-ruled territory.
• Late last week, Israel said 136 hostages remained in Gaza after a cease-fire deal to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

Of note: Thursday's display is not the only visible reminder of the hostages' plight. The "Welcome to Miami Beach" mural on 41st Street has been covered by photos of them and a message calling for their "immediate return."

What they're saying: AJC Miami director Brian Siegal tells Axios in a statement that Hanukkah celebrates the strength of the Jewish people to overcome adversity.

• "But the joy of the holiday has been tempered by the plight of the over 100 hostages still being held by Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza," he said. "While many works at Art Basel are meant to be provocative and even controversial, the message of our display is one everyone attending the art fair should rally behind: the immediate release of all the hostages must remain a top priority."