Terri Bonoff's Chanukah Message for 2024

The first night of Hanukah falls on Christmas this year. This is particularly powerful given what we Jews are facing as we reflect on the past, the present and the future.

I have participated in many gatherings where we have lamented the simple math of our diminishing Jewish numbers in comparison to the worldwide population. This has been discussed in the context of conversations about antisemitism and strategies to combat the gale force head winds we are facing as worldwide support for Israel is diminishing.

As we ponder how to secure our Jewish future perhaps the greatest tool we have is in the strength of the Judeo-Christian partnership. Jews and Christians alike honor Israel as the sacred birthplace and consider the security of Israel as paramount.

So, during these days of Hanukah, overlapping with Christmas, I invite each of us to reach out to our Christian friends and neighbors to ask for help. Enlist their support in speaking out in support of Jewish people and in support of Israel. Ask them to stand beside us, loud and proud as allies of Israel and ensure they understand how important Israel is to the religious community.

There have been organic efforts to create these kinds of partnerships in Atlanta. The White Rose Society has been reborn as a public recognition of powerful allies who are not Jewish and have stood up in inspiring ways post-October 7th. There have been informal gatherings of Jewish and Christian women dedicated to strengthening community support for Israel amidst the negative disinformation campaign that is waging globally.

There is power in numbers. We as Jews punch over our weight in many instances, but we will not succeed if we are in the fight alone. Israel is the birthplace for the Muslim, Christian and Jewish people. May we link arms with those who value the historic spiritual sanctity of our beloved Israel and leverage the power of our shared unwavering commitment. I wish all a Happy Hannukah, a Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday in the tradition of one’s faith.

Terri Bonoff is the chief executive officer of Jewish Family & Career Services.