On Thursday, December 7, 2023, Jews around the world will begin celebrating Hanukkah, which commemorates a time in Jewish history where we faced the possibility of annihilation.Now, 2190 years later, Jews face yet another enemy whose covenant calls to obliterate the state of Israel and to carry its jihad against all Jews “until judgement day.” As I light my candles over the holiday’s eight days, I will reflect on the following. 

One: I stand with Israel. Absolutely. I am sad, afraid, angry and grieving for all the lives lost during this conflict. But Israel did not start this war. Hamas did. And the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), like the Maccabees, must fight with every ounce of their strength to root out the evil that is Hamas.

Two: The rise over the lawsuit and the proposed highway.of antisemitism around the around the world is terrifying, and it is hitting too close to home. Who would have thought that neo-Nazis would be marching outside the gates of Disney? That banners with swastikas would be hung on an I-4 overpass? That our Florida synagogue would have to hire a security guard so that we can attend services without fear of being mowed down like the members of Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life?

Shortly after the October 7 massacre by Hamas, Jewish community leaders and a representative from the AntiDefamation League met with Congressman Darren Soto.He opened our meeting by pledging his support for Israel and the Jewish community. “I have your back,” he said. “We must stand against all forms of hate.” He then turned the meeting over to his constituents, where we were able to voice our concerns. As the war continues, I will be in contact with my representatives on the state and national level to encourage them to continue their support.

Three: I am prouder than ever to be a Jew. For many years, I have worn a butterfly charm on a necklace, which represents to me the souls of the six million who died in the Holocaust. Soon after the war began, I dug out my Jewish star and added it to my necklace, displaying my connection to Judaism with pride and resolve.

Four: During this terrible time, attending services at my synagogue gives me a sense of community. At times it feels that it is the Jews against the world. Being in a room where I am not alone in our fears, sadness, and grief. gives me comfort. 

Five: I will continue to use my writing to bear witness to moments of Jewish sacrifice, survival, and strength.Since 2017, I have been writing down stories of Eastern European Jews escaping pogroms, Holocaust survivors, WWII Jewish soldiers, and Jews and Righteous Gentiles who fought and continue to fight against Jew-hatred and Holocaust denial. My writing has found a purpose: To make sure their stories are never forgotten.

Six: Israel needs more than hopes and prayers and words. It is in desperate need of funds to counteract the effects of this war on its economy and its citizens.The websites of the ADL and other Jewish organizations list recommended donation sites, including Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical response organization; Leket Israel, the country’s largest food bank; and Hadassah Hospital, which treats both Jews and Arabs.

Seven: I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of compassion and support from my non-Jewish friends. “My heart is broken in two,” wrote Ginny Campbell. “We all share one God. I can only believe His heart is broken too.Know my prayers are with you and all our brothers and sisters who are grieving tonight. Love can and must win out in the end.”

Eight: Following the lead of Israelis who have suffered such great loss, I will find joy and hope. “We are part of a people that sanctifies life,” Rabbi Doron Perez, reflecting on the October 23 wedding of his son, who suffered a leg injury on October 7, and another son has been declared missing “[The future] will be a new dawn and a much better time for the Jewish people”

“I am a Jew because at every time when despair cries out, the Jew hopes,” wrote French writer and thinker Edmond Fleg in 1927. Only time will tell what will happen in the future. Over eight evenings, our family will light our colorful Hanukkah candles. This year, we will add to the traditional blessings the Mi Sheberach, a prayer for physical and emotional healing for all human beings facing illness and pain; and Oseh Shalom, a prayer for peace, salaam, shalom. שָׁלוֹם

Originally published in the Orlando Sentinel, December 3, 2023.

Marilyn Shapiro, Kissimmee, is a retired educator and an author. Her blog is http://www.theregoesmyheart.me.