‘Concerned and afraid’: Jews celebrate Hanukkah amid rise in hate
by ByKiara Alfonseca, ABC News:
Jewish groups are increasing security amid a rise in antisemitic attacks.
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 Diana Fersko. 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 Fersko, author of “We Need to Talk About Antisemitism.” “It’s about the Jewish people persevering even when our detractors seem overwhelming.
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