Chanukah and Christmas in a World Divided by Wealth and War

As we approach both Christmas and the Jewish Festival of Lights, I wanted to reflect on the meaning of these holidays and their relevance to today’s world. These festivals remind us of light, resilience, and faith in the face of adversity. They also challenge us to confront the realities of our time: a world divided by wealth, plagued by war, and in desperate need of hope.

This reflection also calls attention to Israel as a beacon of religious tolerance in a region fraught with persecution and conflict. As Israel and Jews are frequently vilified in the media, by the UN, the ICJ, and even on the streets, now is not the time for complacency. It is a time to speak the truth.

Lessons from the Torah: Recognizing the Unseen

This week’s Torah portion of Mikeitz tells the famous story of Joseph’s rise from prison to power in Egypt. When famine struck, his brothers came seeking food but failed to recognize him. How could they not see their own brother standing before them?

One of the books that I love reading to my kids and grandkids is The Emperor Has No Clothes. How come something so obvious cannot be seen? How can we see the truth when it is right in front of us?

This blindness is a powerful metaphor for our times. How often do we fail to recognize truths that are right before our eyes? Consider:

1. Israel’s Right to the Land: Far from being a colonial enterprise, Israel’s historical and legal connection to the land is undeniable.
2. The Fight Against Hamas: Israel’s battle is not just about security but a fight against evil and terrorism, for its citizens and the return of hostages.
3. The Reality of Gaza: Gaza has not been occupied since Israel’s voluntary withdrawal in 2005. Despite this, Hamas has perpetuated violence, oppression, and suffering.
4. The Colonial Expansion of Islam: Across the globe, Islamist ideologies are spreading, eroding freedoms and challenging the simple, tolerant way of life many cherish.
5. Persecution of Christians in the Middle East: While Christian communities thrive in Israel, they are systematically persecuted and driven out in many neighbouring countries.

The Torah portion, much like The Emperor Has No Clothes, reminds us that sometimes what is obvious is ignored or denied. We are called to see clearly, speak truthfully, and act justly.

The Colonial Expansion of Islam and the Decline of a Free, Simple, Tolerant Life

One of the most significant but often unspoken challenges of our time is the colonial expansion of Islamist ideologies. Through immigration, political influence, and cultural shifts, this expansion is eroding the free, simple, and tolerant way of life that many societies once took for granted.

For example:

1. Europe’s Transformation: In France, Sweden and the UK, many neighbourhoods have turned into no-go zones where local authorities and non-Muslims fear to tread. These areas operate under their own rules, eroding national unity.
2. Attacks on Freedom of Expression: Incidents like the Charlie Hebdo massacre in France highlight the growing pressure on free speech, where criticism or satire of Islamist ideologies is met with violence.
3. Sharia Law in the UK: Informal Sharia councils have taken root, imposing restrictions on women’s rights and undermining secular legal systems.
4. Religious Intolerance: In areas of Germany and Belgium, Jewish and Christian communities face harassment, while traditional symbols like Christmas markets and churches are increasingly restricted or removed.

This colonial spread has brought fear and self-censorship into societies that once valued open debate, cultural diversity, and respect for individual freedoms. In the face of this trend, it is critical to recognise the danger of losing the tolerant and free way of life that many cherish.

Israel: A Beacon of Religious Tolerance

In a region marked by conflict, persecution, and a decline in diversity, Israel stands out as a model of freedom and coexistence. While much of the Middle East has seen its Christian populations decimated and its minorities oppressed, Israel offers a sanctuary for people of all faiths to practice, thrive, and contribute to society.

Across the Middle East, religious minorities—especially Christians—are systematically persecuted:

Examples of Christian Persecution in the Region:

1. Saudi Arabia: Christianity is illegal. Churches are banned, and conversion from Islam is punishable by death.
2. Afghanistan: Under Taliban rule, Christians must hide their faith or face execution.
3. Iran: Converts to Christianity are routinely arrested, tortured, and executed.
4. Iraq and Syria: Once home to millions of Christians, radical Islamist groups like ISIS have killed, displaced, and destroyed entire communities.
5. Palestinian Authority (West Bank & Gaza): In Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, Christians now make up less than 12% of the population, down from 85% in the mid-20th century. In Gaza, Christians face severe persecution under Hamas rule.

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg.

In these countries, churches are attacked, Christian families are threatened, and the very identity of religious minorities is erased. While Christians are often the focus of this decline, other religious minorities—Jews, Yazidis, and Druze—have faced similar fates.

Israel: A Safe Haven for Religious Minorities

In stark contrast, Israel provides a safe and flourishing environment for Christians, Muslims, Druze, Bahá’í, and others. As the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel upholds religious freedom under its laws, ensuring that all faiths can worship openly and maintain their traditions.

Thriving Christian and Muslim Populations

While Christian populations in the surrounding countries are shrinking, Israel’s Christian community is growing. Christians in Israel number around 182,000, making up about 2% of the population, with steady birth rates and opportunities for immigration.

Israel’s Muslim population, comprising 21% of its citizens, thrives in politics, business, and the judiciary—unmatched in the Middle East. Arab Muslim leaders actively shape national policy in the Knesset, with figures like Mansour Abbas breaking ground as the first Arab party leader to join a governing coalition. Justice Khaled Kabub’s appointment to Israel’s Supreme Court highlights growing representation in the judiciary.

Uniquely in the region, Israel upholds full religious freedom, including for its Muslim population. It is one of the few countries in the world where the Adhan—the Muslim call to prayer—is openly broadcast, reflecting the nation’s commitment to religious expression. In a region often defined by conflict and persecution, Israel’s thriving Muslim community is a testament to its values of coexistence, opportunity, and inclusivity.

Legal Protections and Rights

• Israel’s Basic Laws guarantee religious freedom, equality, and access to worship.
• Religious minorities can practice their faith openly without fear of persecution—a rarity in the region.

A Model of Coexistence

Israel’s society is built on a diverse fabric of Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze, Bahá’í, and others. Despite geopolitical challenges and tensions, Israel has become a model of coexistence, offering an alternative vision for the Middle East.

Comparing Israel to Its Neighbours

Why Israel Matters as a Model of Tolerance

Israel demonstrates that religious pluralism can coexist with national identity and security. Despite being surrounded by hostile nations and under constant scrutiny, Israel remains committed to protecting its diverse religious landscape.

Key Takeaways:

1. Freedom is Possible: Israel proves that religious minorities can thrive when protected by law and society.
2. A Growing Christian Community: Israel is one of the few places in the Middle East where Christians are growing, not fleeing.
3. Preservation of Holy Sites: Israel safeguards the heritage of all faiths, ensuring that sacred places remain accessible and respected.

Israel’s Light in a Troubled Region

Israel’s success as a safe haven for religious minorities offers a model for the world: a vision of a society where differences are respected, faith is celebrated, and communities thrive together. As we look at the challenges facing religious minorities globally, Israel stands as proof that freedom and tolerance can flourish—even in the most difficult of regions.

Chanukah: Resilience, Faith, and the Fight Against Oppression

The story of Chanukah reminds us of the Jewish people’s resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. The Maccabees’ victory over the Seleucid Empire was not just a military triumph but also a spiritual one—a fight to preserve identity, faith, and freedom.

This legacy resonates deeply today. Israel’s fight against terrorism, extremism, and delegitimization mirrors the Maccabees’ struggle. The menorah’s miraculous light, which burned for eight days, symbolizes the endurance of hope, faith, and divine intervention even in the darkest times.

For Israel, Chanukah is not just a historical commemoration; it is a living reminder of the resilience required to stand firm against forces of oppression and evil.

Christmas: A Vision of Peace and Generosity

Chanukah inspires resilience, while Christmas shines as a beacon of peace and goodwill. However, history reveals a stark contradiction: while Jesus was a Jewish figure teaching principles of justice and humanity, the religion that grew in his name often treated Jews with hostility, exclusion, and persecution. This legacy has left deep scars and reminds us of the danger of straying from the core values that holidays like Christmas are meant to inspire.

In today’s fractured world—marked by civil wars, political polarization, and a growing divide between the rich and poor—Christmas should remind us of the need for reconciliation. Its enduring message is one of hope: that individual acts of kindness can spark global change.

Chanukah’s Enduring Relevance for Israel and the World

Chanukah is not just a historical commemoration—it is a living reminder of the Jewish people’s enduring resilience and their role in the moral struggles of the modern world. In Israel, the festival takes on a profound significance as the nation continues to defend itself against existential threats while striving to be a beacon of innovation, morality, and hope.

The fight against evil is not just Israel’s battle; it is a struggle that affects all humanity. Whether combating terrorism, protecting human rights, or addressing the root causes of poverty and conflict, Chanukah reminds us that resilience and faith can lead to miracles. The light of the menorah is a call to action—to confront the darkness with courage and to work tirelessly for a world where good triumphs over evil.

 Choosing the Light

As we celebrate Chanukah and Christmas, let us reflect on their shared message: light is not passive—it is a force for change. The menorah’s modest candles challenge us to nurture resilience, faith, and justice, while Christmas lights inspire acts of compassion and generosity. Together, these festivals remind us to confront the inequalities and injustices of our time with courage and hope.

I am sharing what I wrote last year –  Is it possible for the world to change?

Featured Videos

I want to share this powerful and deeply personal reflection of my country of birth. South Africa’s leadership in accusing Israel at the ICJ is disheartening for many. Still, moments like Chief Rabbi Goldstein’s address to 100,000 Christians in Johannesburg showcase the potential for unity and shared faith. His message serves as a reminder that even in the face of division, there is an opportunity to build bridges and foster understanding.

The Jewish community’s contributions to South Africa are immense yet often overlooked. From fighting against apartheid to enriching South African society culturally, economically, and spiritually, the Jewish community has set an inspiring example of resilience and positive impact. Howard Sackstein’s TED-style talk beautifully encapsulates this legacy, illustrating how Jewish values and contributions have shaped a vision of coexistence and mutual respect.

These videos and messages testify to the idea that faith, unity, and mutual contributions can overcome even the most challenging divides. Let’s amplify this narrative to inspire others globally!