STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The owner of Key Food supermarket in South Beach was honored Monday morning by a Staten Island rabbi for his graciousness over the past three years during the eight days of Hanukkah.

Since Hurricane Sandy struck the borough in 2012, the Jewish Russian Learning Center of South Beach (JRLC) has held a public menorah lighting in the parking lot of the Sand Lane store, per approval of store owner Daniel Doleh.

"We wanted to start this event to let the people know we're their for support," said Rabbi Zeev Kushnirsky. "Daniel has helped us do that ever since we first asked."

Doleh, 25, whose Italian mother and Palestinian father practice both Catholic and Muslim teachings, has been proud to host the event over the years.

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"We're all American," said Doleh, formerly of Tottenville, "and we should all be coming together to promote peace and unity."

At around 11 a.m., Rabbi Kushnirsky of the JRLC, along with a congregation member Jeff Fuchs, arrived at Doleh's store and awarded him a plaque for all he's done for the Jewish community.

"We wanted to recognize and thank Daniel for being able to promote positivity, especially with everything you see going on in the world between different cultures," added Rabbi Kushnirsky.

"I'm really blown away to be receiving this award," Doleh told the Advance. "I just wanted to do the right thing."

Back on Dec. 8, hundreds gathered at Key Food for the menorah lighting hosted by the JRLC, which featured live music, free doughnuts and chocolate coins.

"The season of Hanukkah is about shining the light toward darkness," concluded the rabbi, "and thats what we wanted to do today."