More than 40 people came out in support of the Chabad House-Jewish Student Center serving Indiana University Bloomington last week after vandals threw a beer bottle through one of the center's windows and removed the word "Jewish" from its façade.

The Dec. 11 unity event – held on the last night of Chanukah – was attended by Bloomington, Ind., Mayor Mark Kruzan and Karen Hanson, provost of Indiana University. Several participants held candles and formed a symbolic menorah.

"The message of Chanukah is the triumph of spirit over matter, the triumph of light over darkness," said Rabbi Yehoshua Chincholker, co-director of the Chabad House. "Religious freedom is common to all man."

Bloomington United, a local group promoting inter-religious dialogue, partnered with Chincholker to organize the ceremony.

According to The Herald Times, a daily newspaper in Bloomington, Kruzan pledged the city's dedication in keeping all of its citizens safe.

"Understanding, tolerance and an appreciation of diversity are the ingredients of a true community," said the mayor. "We should expect and accept no less."