This article is part of Unpacked’s Gen Z Voices series, which highlights our readers’ experiences on campus or as recent graduates, cultural commentaries, and reflections on what it means to be Jewish today. Learn how to submit here.
Each year, Jewish communities worldwide recount the story of the Maccabees’ victory over the mighty Greek army to preserve their faith and freedom.
In recent years, Hanukkah has increasingly caught the attention of big-box retailers, who have sought to “Christmasify” the holiday. Trendy charcuterie boards, cute home decor, and an oddly abundant selection of Hanukkah gnome-themed items have turned the holiday into a growing commercial spectacle each December.
As Instagrammable moments and consumer culture take center stage, the deeper meaning of Hanukkah risks being overshadowed. In the time where we’re seeing less Hanukkah learning and more Hanukkah shopping, the story of the Maccabees and Hanukkah has become increasingly relevant to the life of modern Jewry.
This Hanukkah, as we light the menorah, we’re reminded of a story of survival and defiance — the Maccabees’ victory against oppression. Yet today, the Jewish people face a new set of threats that make this ancient story more relevant than ever.
Hanukkah’s timeless message
The original Hanukkah story recounts how King Antiochus waged war on the Jews, banning their religious practices, desecrating the Temple in Jerusalem, and forcing public violations of Jewish law. Judah Maccabee and his followers fought back, reclaiming the Temple and securing Jewish independence.
Today, we face different, yet equally alarming, threats. Jewish students at UCLA were forced to disavow their Jewishness to access campus spaces, which were dubbed a “Jew Exclusion Zone.” University leaders at Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and MIT refused to condemn calls for genocide against Jews as violations of their codes of conduct. Over the past year, synagogues worldwide have been vandalized, defaced with swastikas, and targeted with arson and bomb threats.
Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. surged 140% in 2023, reaching record highs. A majority (62%) of American Jews reported witnessing or experiencing antisemitism online. Startlingly, recent polls reveal that one-fifth of Gen Z Americans believe the Holocaust is a myth, with 23% claiming its death toll is exaggerated and 28% stating that “Jews have too much power in America.”
Prominent figures like Candace Owens continue to amass influence, despite spreading antisemitic rhetoric and blood libel conspiracies. Tucker Carlson gave a platform to a Holocaust revisionist, calling the guest the “best and most honest popular historian.” Even Adidas resumed selling Kanye West’s Yeezy sneakers after initially severing ties over his antisemitic statements.
Antisemitism is not only being normalized but, in some cases, celebrated under the guise of “activism.” This insidious trend underscores the urgency of shining a light on antisemitism and combating its spread.
Fighting antisemitism in the spirit of Hanukkah
The story of Hanukkah is one of perseverance. A small group of Jews, united by faith and purpose, defeated a seemingly invincible empire. This legacy reminds us of the power of collective action in the face of hatred and oppression.
Speaking out against antisemitism can feel daunting, especially when high-profile individuals and institutions remain silent or complicit. But just as the Maccabees fought back against overwhelming odds, we too must take a stand. By raising awareness, educating others, and holding perpetrators accountable, we can begin to chip away at the bigotry that continues to thrive.
We must continue shining our light on antisemitism because the bomb threats, protests outside houses of worship, assaults and vandalism expose just how pervasive antisemitism is — and how it appears to be growing.
So what can we do to combat this ancient form of hate? What do we do about congress members voting against Holocaust education bills, universities allowing professors who praise the Oct. 7 attacks to keep their jobs, and synagogues being firebombed multiple times in a year? What do you do about narratives that have remained consistent for centuries, with the same types of attacks levied against Jews for decades? What can we do to stop a form of hatred that continues to grow seemingly each day?
We must use our voices to shed light on antisemitism when we see it — and urge others to speak out as well.
Silence is no longer an option
Too often, Jews refrain from addressing antisemitism outside their communities, doubting whether their voices will make a difference. Yet, statistics show that people who know someone Jewish are far more likely to recognize antisemitism as a problem. By speaking out, educating others, and supporting organizations that combat hate, individuals can spark meaningful change. The stats don’t lie, when you speak up, others listen.
It may be easier to brace for the best and ignore what has become an unignorable problem. Why discuss antisemitism when we can simply enjoy fun new ways to celebrate Hanukkah?
However, this is a solution that actively harms a Jewish future, and allows antisemitic hatred to fester in exchange for our personal comfort. Should Jewish people have to bear the weight of educating the public to not hate us? No. But unfortunately, often the people most engaged and most equipped to expose and combat antisemitism are Jews. It’s a daunting task, but we must work through the fear and complacency that is keeping us silent.
Shining a light on antisemitism may feel pointless when its biggest proponents have massive platforms. It’s difficult to see where your contribution can make a difference. But speaking out can educate your community, encourage others to pick up the cause, or simply make others in your community feel less alone.
Every voice matters. Even small acts — sharing a post, starting a conversation, or calling out antisemitism in your community — can inspire others to take action. Together, we can create a ripple effect, building a coalition strong enough to push back against hate.
Hanukkah as a call to action
The story of Hanukkah is one of perseverance and victory, but it’s also a reminder that hard fights are never easily won. Antisemitism will not be easy to tackle; if it was, we would have gotten rid of it 2,000 years ago.
Hanukkah is not just a celebration of Jewish survival but a call to action. It reminds us that even a small group, united by courage and conviction, can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
Enjoy the joy and festivity of Hanukkah — the delicious food, the parties, the time with loved ones — but also take a moment to reflect on its true meaning. Use the holiday as a time to educate, mobilize, and inspire others to join the fight against antisemitism. This year, as we light the menorah, let it inspire us to shine a light on antisemitism and take tangible steps to combat it.
Let the celebration of Jews for the past 2,000 years guide your voice, make an action plan, encourage your loved ones to do the same. It wasn’t simply divine intervention that allowed the Maccabees to defeat the mighty Greeks; it was banding together and using their collective power to shed light and effectively fight antisemitism.
Hanukkah reminds us that even a small group, united by purpose and courage, can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. This year, let’s honor that legacy by shining our light where it’s most needed — on the darkness of antisemitism.
Originally Published Dec 25, 2024 09:07AM EST
