‘Concerned and afraid’: Jews celebrate Hanukkah amid rise in hate

Hanukkah has taken on a new meaning this year for many in the Jewish community after Israel was attacked by terrorist group Hamas on Oct. 7.

More than 1,200 people in Israel were killed, and 6,900 others injured, according to Israeli officials. An estimated 236 people are said to have been taken hostage in the attack.

Israel has retaliated in a siege on Gaza, killing more than 15,900 people in Gaza and injuring 42,000 more, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Ministry of Health and the Hamas government media office.

Hanukkah, which translates to “dedication” and begins on Dec. 7 this year, is about a recommitment to the ideals of Judaism, according to New York City Rabbi William Ovadia Tank. It honors the Jewish fighters who fought against Syrian armies to defend their religious beliefs in 164 BCE.

“Hanukkah is a story of survival against great odds,” said Rabbi Tank, Director of the Jewish Interpol. “It’s about the Jewish people persevering even when our detractors seem overwhelming.

Communities whose identities are tied to the conflict overseas — Jews and Christians pro-Israel, have become targets of hate here in the United States, Europe, Brazil, Argentina…everywhere.

Federal and local authorities are sounding the alarm about a rise in antisemitism.

Jewish leaders say the holiday’s history is an apt reminder of the ongoing effort to combat antisemitism and stand proud of their Jewish identity.

A member of the Jewish International Police in front of a synagogue, Oct. 13, 2023, in New York.

The threat of hate

The Jewish community has seen an increase in vandalism, threats, violenceand other crimes across the country.

The growing number of incidents come with a backdrop of the longstanding warning from officials in recent years about a rise in antisemitic sentiment in the mainstream.

The Department of Homeland Security earlier urged Jewish leaders to be cautious of individuals who have been “incited to violence by an ideology of hate.”

Authorities have not identified any specific plots linked to Hanukkah, but have also warned of “renewed calls for attacks against Jewish individuals and targets” by foreign terror groups and domestic violent extremists.

Jewish organizations and institutions say they will heed these warnings, but that security precautions have long been in place to protect their communities. Antisemitism has been a constant threat that’s been appearing to grow in the mainstream in recent years, according to federal officials.

The ongoing conflict has only led groups to further escalate their security needs.

Experts at the Jewish security organization Secure Community Network said in a Dec. 5 hearing that people are “concerned and afraid.”

In an online briefing, they urged community leaders to coordinate with local law enforcement for large events and public gatherings, as well as create plans in anticipation of any potential problems that may arise.

This can look like limiting access to events through ticketing, conducting pre-event surveys of the location regarding best exit procedures, radio dispatches with private security guards, and more.

“Jewish Interpol is expanding its departments to several countries to be able to protect Jewish communities in the diaspora, in partnership with local state police”, said Rabbi Tank, Director of the Jewish Interpol.