I don’t think I will ever forget the moment I sat at an In-N-Out after our school’s homecoming football game on October 6th. A friend walked up to my table and said, “Did you see the news? Something’s happening in Israel right now.” Worried and confused, we continued to read the small tidbits of information being released. Our first instinct was to text our friends and family- “Is everything ok?”  “What’s going on?” “Keep us updated.” 

The Israel-Hamas war is a shocking part of history to live through, but the strength of the Jewish people through this event is what has kept me together. 

A week following the initial attack, my close friend Lexi Gold hosted a teen vigil at a local Jewish day school. She gathered Jewish teens together, urging us to stand up for ourselves as Jewish people and maintain a powerful sense of community by engaging in various events that bring people together. 

She inspired me to host a safe space at my school’s JSU, where students could journal their thoughts regarding current events and speak about them with other Jewish students and school support staff. This event was also an amazing opportunity and truly brought to light the importance of uniting Jewish students who deserve a safe space during a challenging time. 

Over these last two months, every one of the Jewish organizations I participate in (BBYO, Diller Teen Fellows, my Jewish summer camp, and more) have lovingly opened their arms to those who need support. 

Hanukkah, the Jewish holiday representing faith and strength, starts Thursday, December 7th on the 25th of Kislev. The story discusses a small Jewish army fighting against the Syrian army, but how the Jews survived, and succeeded in maintaining their faith. Following their success, they found a small drop of oil, in the temple destroyed by the Syrians, that miraculously lasted eight days and eight nights. 

Today, the world experiences the same hatred that Jewish people experienced 2,000+ years ago, when the holiday Hanukkah began. But our strength is inevitable. It is imperative that we show Jewish joy, and demonstrate the beauty of Jewish culture and experiences. This Hanukkah, let's pray for a ‘נֵס גָּדוֹל’ (nes gadol)- a great miracle, to provide safety and tolerance for all affected by this horrific war. 

Last year, I wrote a similar article for the Shofar regarding the importance of Hanukkah because of the rise of antisemitism. But this year, it resonates even more because of the current events. Out of this darkness, I urge you all to find light- whether it be literally, by lighting Hanukkah candles, or by spending time with a Jewish community to bring metaphorical ‘light’ to those around us. I wish you all a Chag Hanukkah Sameach.