Hanukkah got off to rocky start in New Windsor after vandals knocked down and destroyed a menorah.

The menorah located on Route 94 and Blooming Grove Turnpike was vandalized Saturday. It was so badly damaged that it can?t be enjoyed during the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, which began at sundown Sunday.

Police are investigating the case as an act of criminal mischief. Detectives are aggressively pursuing arrests and if the act is determined to be a hate crime, the vandals will face even stiffer penalties.