Dive into the Festival of Lights: Hanukkah amidst Fears and Uncertainties
For Yehuda Teichtal, lighting a candle signals hope and unity. As the rabbi of the Jewish community, Chabad Berlin, he believes that the essence of Hanukkah is love triumphing over hate. Despite recent weeks' bleak news, Teichtal remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of more light, joy, and Jewish awareness in challenging times.
This stance resonated with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who attended the Hanukkah ceremony at the Brandenburg Gate together with Teichtal. The Chancellor voiced solidarity with the Jewish community, condemning any attempts to suppress their freedom to live their faith openly, with its culture, customs, and everyday activities.
Paranoia and Preoccupation: Anti-Semitic Incidents on the Rise
Incidents of anti-Semitism have drastically surged in Germany since the Hamas terror attack on Israel in October. Rias Network reporting offices recorded close to 1,000 cases across the country within a month, with over 282 incidents in Berlin alone. According to reports, the Star of David and the kippah remain under attack, with Jews taking extra precautions to hide their symbols.
The horrors of a near-attack on a Berlin synagogue in October sent shockwaves through the community. Jewish daycare groups now avoid subways, fearing children speaking Hebrew may draw unwanted attention, and some even forsake bus and train rides. Chilling accounts of overheard fantasies touting the murder of Jews or Israelis have left a lasting impact on the Jewish community.
"Dispelling the Darkness" with Hanukkah's "Miracle of Light"
Hanukkah marks a joyous celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following a rebellion against the Greeks in 164 BC. The festival lasts until December 15 this year and is characterized by the "miracle of light," where a candelabrum remained ablaze for eight days. Zwiefacher, a popular Hanukkah pastry, and latkes, potato pancakes, accompany family celebrations and gift-giving, much like Christmas traditions. Much like the message of love over hate, the festival of Hanukkah spreads warmth and light into the dark winter months.
The Voice of Hope: Felix Klein, Gesundheit und Zivilcourage
For Felix Klein, the Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life and the Fight against Anti-Semitism, Hanukkah symbolizes the conquering of fear. Klein, who describes Hanukkah as one of his favored Jewish festivals, looks to Hanukkah as an inspiring example of dispelling the darkness that persists, especially since the initial turbulence on October 7.
Though the Jewish community's fears have yet to be entirely vanquished, Klein firmly insists on the importance of togetherness in the face of adversity. "The fact that Jews can still celebrate Hanukkah in peace speaks volumes of our resilience. Even in trying times, there is comfort in unity," Klein says.
Solidarity Beyond the Middle East Conflict
Many Jews in Germany envision a manifestation of support beyond the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. According to Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews, solidarity is paramount in easing the community's unease. "Though many non-Jews are not anti-Semitic, their silence is biting. Expressing compassion and standing in solidarity with our Jewish neighbors, friends, and colleagues is crucial in this climate," Schuster encourages.
Rabbi Teichtal agrees, encouraging individuals to champion small acts of solidarity. "By placing a light in the window, engaging in the neighborhood, or through actions that resonate with us, we can stand up against hate and pressure it to recede. Acts of solidarity, however small, have a significant impact," he tells us a few days before the Hanukkah ceremony.
A Call to Action: "Never Again is Now – Germany Stands Up"
In response to the rising tide of anti-Semitic sentiment and attacks, Bundestag President Bärbel Bas is planning a vast rally in Berlin, under the banner "Never Again is Now – Germany Stands Up." Chancellor Scholz has also voiced his support for the initiative, calling upon every individual to extend compassionate solidarity with their Jewish neighbors, friends, and colleagues.
Together, we find solace in the unity forged during Hanukkah, standing strong against the darkness that threatens our communities. As the festival of Hanukkah illuminates our chilled winter nights, its spirit enlightens our shared commitment to fight hate, seeking understanding, and finding solidarity in unity.
