[VIDEOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Mayor Michael Bloomberg hosted his final Chanukah Party as mayor of New York City at the Jewish Heritage Museum Monday evening, and as such he combined the three occasions – Chanukah, Thanksgiving and the end of his 3rd term as mayor to reflect on his legacy, leaving the next mayor a safer and healthier City.

“Chanukah is a holiday where we give thanks to the everyday miracles in our lives,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “And it may not be a one day supply of oil lasting for eight days, but we can give thanks for a safer City. We can give thanks for a healthier City – a City where people are living longer and our air and water is cleaner than it has ever been, and we can give thanks for a hopeful City, a city where even in the toughest times continues to dream big and believe in the best.”

Bloomberg also said he’s looking forward visiting Israel next spring to accept the $1 million Genesis Prize at a special ceremony in Jerusalem by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. �For some reason that nobody can figure out � at least I can�t � I will be honored to receive the first Genesis Prize,� Mr. Bloomberg said in a humble manner.

As the prize might not impress Mr. Bloomberg, whose fortune is estimated as $40B, he told the crowd he had told the Prime Minister of his intention to use the $1 million “to promote commerce between the people in Palestine and the people in Israel.”

�We have to find some way that everybody can get along in that space or it won�t end nicely for anybody,� he said.

Following the Mayor’s brief remarks, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik was called up to light the shames — which Bloomberg called “shema” — and to lead the brochos. Mr. Bloomberg mumbled along the blessings recited before lighting two candles of 6 and sang along ‘Maoz Tzur’ transcribed in the iPad he so dearly held on to.

Video of Mayor Bloomberg lighting the Menorah:

Video of Mayor Bloomberg’s remarks:

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)