Thousands are gathering to support the Jewish people as they try to celebrate the holiday season amid rising anti-Semitism.
The idea came about when 6-year-old Jack told his dad, Adam Kulbersh, that he wanted to celebrate Hanukkah with decorations this year. “I wasn’t sure if I felt comfortable doing it this year. The rise of anti-Semitism is historic,” said Kulbersh, a Jew who lives in Los Angeles. Good morning America.
When he discussed his concerns with a non-Jewish friend, Jennifer Marshall, her response was supportive: “We’re not Jewish, but I’m going to put a menorah in our window in solidarity with you, in the hope that it helps you put a menorah in yours. ”
His friend’s words motivated Kulbersh to start the Menorah Project, a grassroots movement that encourages Jewish allies to put menorahs in their windows, along with other holiday decorations, in an effort to support the Jewish community.
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“This Hanukkah, many Jews must reconcile their fear of violence with the very public, centuries-old tradition of placing menorahs in their windows during the holiday,” the project’s website says. “Jewish families feel isolated and scared. And our friends ask how they can help.”
By placing menorahs in their windows, Kulbersh explains, allies will show that their home is a safe space.
Threats to the Jewish people in America have increased as the war between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas continues, experts say. According to the Anti-Defamation League Center on Extremism, since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, there has been a nearly 400% year-over-year increase in reported anti-Semitic incidents across the US.
For many, putting the menorah in the window, Kulbersh says, will be “the first time many people have made a public statement against hate.”
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“I hope that now that they’ve done it once, it will be easier for them to speak up the next time they see or hear something,” says Kulbersh. “And not just for Jews, for anyone.”
Jewish Federations of North America President and CEO Eric Fingerhut also spoke about the importance of displaying Hanukkah decorations this year. “The public display of lights for Hanukkah is an important part of the holiday tradition, and throughout our history our community has had to balance whether to uphold that tradition in times of danger and adversity,” Fingerhurt said in a quote to ABC News. “We hear many Jews say that it is especially important to proudly display our menorahs and bring more light into this dark time.”
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“Jewish parents around the world are holding our children closer right now. But I also want to teach my son that even though we may be afraid, we will not hide,” explains Kulbersh. “We will stand up, we will put our menorah in the window and illuminate the world with our light.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education