Ceremony Spotlights Threat of Antisemitism
On Dec. 12, Shine A Light, ADL Southeast, National Black Empowerment Council and National Center for Civil and Human Rights hosted a menorah lighting ceremony and program.
On Dec. 12, Shine A Light, Anti-Defamation League Southeast, National Black Empowerment Council and National Center for Civil and Human Rights hosted an intimate menorah lighting ceremony and brief program on the threat of antisemitism at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta.
Signifying more than a celebration of the Festival of Lights, the event was a powerful testament to Atlanta’s commitment to coming together, fostering understanding, and celebrating its shared values. In a world that often seems divided, this gathering illuminated the principles of hope, peace, and respect that bind us all.
The event kicked off with a candle lighting and blessing over bread from Rabbi Joshua Heller, senior rabbi, Congregation B’nai Torah, and featured remarks from several notable attendees including Chris Carr, attorney general of the state of Georgia, who discussed the strength of the Jewish community in Atlanta and worldwide, and the importance of standing together during these turbulent times.
Carr said, “Although it’s deeply distressing that we must gather because of a rise in antisemitism around the world, it is truly an honor to publicly and proudly stand with the Jewish community — not just in Atlanta, not just in the state of Georgia, but around the world. The Jewish community in our state is strong, it’s vibrant and it’s courageous, and I cannot tell you what it means to me personally to be standing here shoulder to shoulder with you tonight.”
Darius Jones, founder and president, National Black Empowerment Council, noted, “In our unity, may we always find the strength to face adversity, confront injustice and build bridges toward a brighter future. So, as we illuminate these lights, let them serve as beacons of hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of our collaboration.”
“We have to continue to pray and understand that just like radiation that drives out cancer — light, communication, allyship, and community drives out antisemitism and every form of hate … We stand together tonight praying with our feet and believing that we are creating a community that is big enough for us all,” said Doug Shipman, Atlanta City Council president.
Jill Savitt, president and CEO, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, said, “We are all interconnected, and our fates are intertwined, and we gather to affirm that a hate or injustice directed against any group – is a hate or injustice directed against us all. We reaffirm that the way to combat it is to stand together to provide each other with support and comfort and to call out any injustice that we see.”
Eytan Davidson, ADL Southeast regional director, added, “The alarming rise of antisemitism demands our collective attention and concerted efforts to combat hate in all its forms. In partnership with Shine A Light, we are coming together tonight to stand up and speak out against antisemitism. We thank all allies who stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community, working towards an Atlanta free from racism and intolerance.”
To learn more, visit www.ShineALightOn.com and follow on Instagram (@ShineALight_On); X/Twitter (@ShineALight_On); TikTok (@shinealighton); and Facebook (@ShineALightOnAntisemitsm).
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