CHICAGO (CBS) – Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the city’s first Jewish Mayor, this evening lit a Menorah set up among the other holiday season displays at Daley Plaza.

WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports the mayor had a lot to say about the symbolism of the occasion earlier in the day.

Emanuel said the lighting of the menorah speaks not only to his background as the son and grandson of Jewish immigrants, but when paired with his lighting of the city’s Christmas tree – when part of the countdown was in Spanish – it speaks to what the city means to all immigrants.

“I think it’s a testament to the city, I think it’s a testament to America, and I would hope that everybody would see what a great country and a great city we have, regardless of our challenges,” he said. “We are a place where people can still come and call their children’s future – in the city of Chicago or America – a place where they could not achieve it in their old city.”

Emanuel said everyone should do something for the less fortunate this holiday season, as well.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore Reports