Eti Lazarian's Chanukah Message for 2024

Holding Onto Hope: Being Jewish and Israeli in Uncertain Times

As Jews and Israelis, we find ourselves living in a time that feels as though the very ground beneath us has shifted. The events of October 7th shook our hearts, homes, and our collective sense of safety. It felt as though the world as we knew it had changed irrevocably. Our grief is immense, and our pain is real. Yet, in the depths of despair, we are reminded of something that has sustained our people for thousands of years: hope.

In the immediate aftermath, I was terrified to say I’m Israeli or share my origin. The fear of judgment and isolation weighed heavily. But something within me changed. Today, I wear my Israeli flag proudly. I travel the world sharing my heritage and origin with pride, knowing that my story and identity are worth celebrating, not hiding.

For more than 3,000 years, the Jewish people have faced immense challenges, oppression, and unimaginable loss. And still, we are here. Our history is not just a story of survival but one of resilience, strength, and faith. No matter how dark the night, the dawn has always come. This enduring spirit of hope, embedded in our very identity, is a beacon that guides us through the most turbulent times.

This Hanukkah, the story of the miracle of lights resonates deeply. When the Maccabees rededicated the Temple, they found just enough oil to last a single day, but it burned brightly for eight days, defying all expectations. This miracle was not only a testament to faith but a reminder that light can persist even when the odds seem insurmountable.

Today, that light burns within us. It reminds us that no force can extinguish the hope, love, and unity that define who we are. We face adversity not with despair but with a deep resolve to persevere. We rebuild, we adapt, and we thrive—not in spite of the challenges but because of them.

This moment in history, though fraught with difficulty, is also an opportunity for growth and unity. The global Jewish community stands together in ways that remind us we are never alone. Our shared prayers, support, and acts of kindness reinforce the unbreakable bond we have with one another and with Israel.

As we light the menorah this year, let us take a moment to reflect on the miracles we experience every day. Let us remember that even in the darkest of times, our flame endures. The story of Hanukkah is not just one of a miraculous past but a lesson for our future: we prevail because we refuse to let go of hope.

To be Jewish and Israeli in this moment is to embody the promise that we will never be silenced, never be defeated, and never lose faith. The challenges ahead may be great, but so too is our strength. Together, we will not only endure but thrive—stronger and more united than ever before.

Let us all pray together for the safe return of our hostages, for their families to be reunited in joy and peace. This Hanukkah, may we witness miracles both big and small, and may the light of hope continue to guide us forward.

Eti Lazarian is the Managing Director at Insignia LLC, mother of three girls, and passionate philatelist.