Uniting with Jews as Chanukah Begins

Tonight marks the first night of Chanukah, a holiday commemorating religious freedom and the perseverance of the Jewish people. This occasion of celebration and reflection takes on a new urgency this year as Jews across the world grapple with rising antisemitism to a degree that has not been seen in generations. Jews targeted. Their Temple desecrated. Their right to worship assaulted. Their very existence threatened. Even the public officials in Virginia and Maine are arguing whether including a menorah or a Star of David in their holiday displays is “offensive”. We must assure Jewish New Yorkers we take these threats seriously and we, as a community and government, stand with them and affirmatively rise to their defense. Both political parties must stop coddling elected officials who make antisemitic remarks, and voters must hold these officials accountable. “Never Again” means act now. My plan is to attend Friday night Shabbat services, and I encourage all those who care about the Jewish people to do so as well.