We just lit Hanukkah candles here in Melbourne, and as we sang the traditional Hanerot Hallalu song, we all broke down in tears. Just a couple of hours ago, our brothers and sisters in Sydney, celebrating Chanukah at Bondi Beach, were gunned down. We personally know some of those shot and killed. We’re in shock.
As we begin the festival of light, the world has become darker.
Yet again, we are shocked but not surprised. People have been saying for months that a terrorist attack with mass casualties in Australia was inevitable, and now it has happened. Our government has shown by their (in)action that they don’t care about us.
Expect the usual mealy mouthed (*#&$^ from our Labor politicians over the next few days, and a heavy dose of both-sides-ism: Hatred of any kind has no place in our society. We can’t act on the antisemitism recommendations until we also act on the Islamophobia recommendations. Yeah, yeah. Heard it before, many times. Will hear it again, and again.
But enough politics. What can we take from this?
Firstly, to those non-Jewish business associates who reached out with messages of support: with tears in my eyes as I write this, I cannot thank you enough. Knowing there are people who genuinely care for what has happened and continues to happen to the Jews in Australia means so much. You are a shining light.
Secondly, the juxtaposition with the festival of Hanukkah carries a strong message. On Hanukkah, it’s not enough for us to light candles each night in our homes. An essential component of the mitzvah is pirsumei nissa – publicising the miracle. Whether it’s Hanukkah celebrations on the beach, or in the park, or menorahs on cars everywhere, we display our Judaism proudly. We don’t cower or hide.
I wear my kippah proudly in the street. Yes, it leads antisemitic comments from haters. But they can get *&^#$ed. Not only won’t you stop me from proudly displaying my Judaism, you only strengthen my resolve – and our resolve as a people. We’ve been doing this for thousands of years, and nothing has stopped us, and nothing will.
Our Rabbis teach: “a small amount of light deflects a large amount of darkness”. The world is darker tonight with the tragic murder of innocents celebrating Hanukkah at the beach. Please respond by lighting Hanukkah candles this year and remaining proud and strong in your Judaism.
Am Yisrael Chai!
This post is originally posted at The Times Of Israel.
