Why Canceling Hanukkah Is Wrong

Including Hanukkah in your holiday celebrations isn’t “taking a side” in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Last year, municipalities and organizations across the US canceled or “toned down” public Hanukkah celebrations and removed menorahs from holiday displays for fear of appearing to side with Israel in the current conflict.

So let me be crystal clear: as an American Jew I am not responsible for the actions of the state of Israel and neither is any other Jewish person.

Weaponizing a Jewish religious holiday because of the Israel-Palestine conflict only serves to fuel anti-Jewish bigotry and hatred. Emboldened by Trump’s election, neo-Nazis are on the march across the US and experts report that white supremacist incidents are rising. Canceling Hanukkah celebrations now is siding with fascism and antisemitism.

Hanukkah, also known as the festival of lights, begins at sundown on December 25. I will be making my beloved feta, artichoke, leek and mint latkes to celebrate and will continue to pray for peace & light during these dark times.

To quote Rachel Posner, who wrote these words in 1931, “The flag says ‘death to Judaism,’ the light says ‘Judaism will live for ever.'”

🕊 My work focuses on bridge-building, cultural humility, and shared humanity. Antisemitism and navigating courageous conversations are two of my signature speaking topics. If I can help your team, organization or university, please reach out!

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ID: Rachel Posner’s 1931 b/w photograph of her family’s brass menorah on their windowsill in Kiel. Opposite their apartment is the Nazi party’s regional headquarters with a large swastika flag hanging menacingly from the facade.