Atlanta Keeps Chanukah Lights Shining Bright

Even though Atlanta has delt with our fair share of antisemitic situations over the year, we have never lost our holiday cheer.

Across the country there are many communities that live in fear of even displaying their menorah. Many American Jews are conflicted about publicly celebrating Chanukah amidst growing antisemitism.

In 2023, antisemitism in the United States had been on the rise, and the Jewish community has experienced several incidents during Chanukah:

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New Haven police investigate draping of a Palestinian flag over a menorah near Yale campus on Dec. 11, 2023. Courtesy Jake Dressler

• Vandalism: Public menorahs have been vandalized or destroyed, including one in Oakland, California that was broken and thrown into a lake.
• Threats: There have been threats of violence against Jewish people and targets.
• Harassment: Young Jewish people have been harassed online and on college campuses.
• Antisemitic Symbols: Swastikas and other antisemitic symbols have been found in public spaces.

Time Magazine in Dec. 2023 reported, “This year, Chanukah feels different. Jewish Americans are outraged and devastated by the bold-faced antisemitism that feels like it’s all around us. While taking our children home from school, we hear open calls for our deaths on the street. In our professional lives, we watch in horror as organizations dedicated to the protection of women stay silent for far too long when it comes to violence against Jewish women. In our religious lives, we evacuate our synagogues because of yet another bomb threat.”

Jewish Atlanta takes our safety and civil rights to higher level than other communities. I realized the flyers were disturbing, but our community takes action.

An example of the menorah that the DHA intends to purchase. The plaque to be attached to it will read, “A community gift in loving memory of Rose Ida Lubin (2002-2023) – A Dunwoody Hero.”

• Antisemitism at Schools: A federal lawsuit was filed by U.S. Jewish groups alleging antisemitism at Atlanta schools. The complaint described verbal attacks against Jewish students and displays of pro-Palestinian sentiment as intimidating.
• Rally Against Hatred: A rally was held in Athens to address the rise of hatred towards Muslim and Jewish Americans. Students from Emory University and Georgia State walked with members of the Jewish community.
• Project Menorah: An event where allies fight antisemitism during Hanukkah
• Shine the Light on Antisemitism: A Hanukkah celebration hosted by the MJCCA and the Atlanta Israel Coalition.
• StandWithUs: An international, nonprofit, and non-partisan organization that works to fight against antisemitism.

Sometimes we take for granite just how lucky we are to live in a community that supports each other, keeps connected and has the chutzpah to stand up for our loved ones, ourselves. Jewish Atlanta comes to together to stand up for our community’s civil rights.

So, let’s all say, “Cheers to 100-years and more openly celebrating Chanukah in Jewish Atlanta.”

Kaylene Ladinsky is President, Editor and Managing Publisher of Atlanta Jewish Times.