UPDATE from Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez on the Menorah Incident and How a Good Samaritan Reflected the Strength and Unity of Our Community

Last night, someone attempted to destroy the menorah we lit for the first time in the history of the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office, just days after we began what will now be an annual tradition of honoring faith, unity, and the diverse communities we proudly serve.

This was more than vandalism. It was an intentional act against a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the meaning of Hanukkah. The structure may have been knocked down and damaged, but the meaning behind it remains untouched.

I am grateful to law enforcement for their swift response. The individual responsible has been identified, taken into custody, and formally charged. This office will continue to cooperate fully with authorities as the legal process moves forward.

Whoever carried out this act failed. They did not and will never break our spirit or our commitment to the people of Miami-Dade County. You can knock something down, but you cannot extinguish what it stands for. The only way to fight darkness is with light, and I will live by that every single day of my life. What happened last night only strengthens my resolve.

We will relight the menorah. We will repair what was damaged. And we will continue this beautiful tradition not just next year, but every year, stronger and more united than ever. This act does not intimidate us. It pushes us to defend our values with even greater determination.

I stand firmly with the Jewish community and with every resident in Miami-Dade County who believes in dignity, respect, and the freedom to practice their faith without fear.

I also want to thank the Good Samaritan who stopped and lifted the menorah back up. At a moment when someone tried to divide us, this person chose to help, to care, and to do what is right. Their action shows the true heart of Miami-Dade County, a community that stands together and supports one another.

What this Good Samaritan did was simple, but powerful. By lifting the menorah, they lifted our spirits. They showed that kindness is stronger than hate, and that in our community, people always step up when it matters.

Our responsibility in public service goes beyond providing services. It includes protecting the values that define who we are as a community.

This menorah is more than a display. It is a declaration that light lives here, unity lives here, and faith lives here. And no matter who tries to tear it down, light will always prevail. Acts of antisemitism and hatred have no place in Miami-Dade County. Not now. Not ever.

Happy Hanukkah. God bless Miami-Dade County. God bless the United States of America.

Dariel Fernandez

Tax Collector, Miami-Dade County

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Statement from Miami-Dade County Tax Collector: