Hanukkah Under Fire: Global Wave of Hate -No Light

From Britain to Ukraine: Ten antisemitic incidents in one week paint a concerning picture of global Jewish hatred | Menorahs vandalized, worshippers attacked, and a synagogue hit with a Molotov cocktail | “This is a violation of basic human rights”

Hanukkah, meant to commemorate the miracle of the oil and the struggle for religious freedom, became a target for disturbing antisemitic acts worldwide this year. Within eight days, at least ten incidents of attacks on Jewish communities and symbols occurred, causing shock across many communities and countries.
We’re witnessing a concerning wave of antisemitic events specifically targeting Hanukkah celebrations. Ten incidents across eight days, spanning three continents, serve as a severe warning. We’re working with law enforcement across relevant countries to investigate and prosecute perpetrators. Antisemitism attacks not just the Jewish community but basic human rights and democratic society fundamentals. I call on world leaders to take a clear stance against antisemitism and act decisively to eliminate these phenomena. This wave of antisemitic events during Hanukkah highlights the challenges facing Jewish communities worldwide. Against the backdrop of Christmas and rising terror acts in markets, antisemitism remains a real threat requiring combat through education, legislation, and public action.

Against the backdrop of terror atmosphere at Christmas markets, here’s an overview of key events from the past week:

Canada: Menorah toppled in Toronto
In Toronto’s North York Jewish community, a large Hanukkah menorah was violently knocked over during evening hours, causing concern in this heavily Jewish-populated area. City officials condemned the act and promised a thorough investigation.

United States: Menorah lighting disrupted in Arkansas
In Little Rock, Arkansas, protesters disrupted the annual menorah lighting, shouting at participating families. The downtown event was interrupted when protesters began yelling antisemitic expressions. Former governor Mike Huckabee, present as an honorary guest, expressed shock at the incident.

England: Anti-Jewish demonstrations in London
During a London Hanukkah event, a protester shouted accusations that “Jews are celebrating genocide.” The incident occurred during a public square candle lighting, leaving participants feeling threatened. Local authorities intervened, though no immediate arrests were made.

California: Menorah toppled in Sherman Oaks
In Los Angeles, a Chabad House menorah in Sherman Oaks was knocked down and damaged overnight, captured by security cameras. The Jewish community gathered to restore the menorah and continue celebrations.

England: Menorah vandalized near London
Another menorah in a northern London suburb was violently destroyed. Residents reported seeing youths vandalizing the menorah before fleeing.

New York: Broken menorah in streets
A broken Hanukkah menorah was documented on a New York street, suspected as an antisemitic protest. Local police launched an investigation amid rising vandalism concerns.

Ukraine: Attacks on menorahs and synagogues
Two notable incidents occurred in Ukraine: In Lviv, a menorah was damaged during celebrations, apparently by running youths. In Mykolaiv, a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the central synagogue during Hanukkah celebrations, potentially catastrophic if the fire hadn’t been quickly controlled.

England: Harassment in Gants Hill
In Gants Hill, London, a group of Asian men verbally abused Jews celebrating Hanukkah during early evening hours, causing significant community tension.

University of London: Palestinian flags behind menorah
Palestinian flags were placed behind a menorah set up by Jewish students on campus, viewed as an attempt to provoke and undermine Jewish students’ sense of security.

The wave of antisemitic incidents during Hanukkah underscores the urgent need for coordinated international action against Jewish hatred, combining robust law enforcement, education for tolerance, and protection of Jewish communities worldwide.”

From Britain to Ukraine: Ten antisemitic incidents in one week paint a concerning picture of global Jewish hatred | Menorahs vandalized, worshippers attacked, and a synagogue hit with a Molotov cocktail | “This is a violation of basic human rights”

Hanukkah, meant to commemorate the miracle of the oil and the struggle for religious freedom, became a target for disturbing antisemitic acts worldwide this year. Within eight days, at least ten incidents of attacks on Jewish communities and symbols occurred, causing shock across many communities and countries.
We’re witnessing a concerning wave of antisemitic events specifically targeting Hanukkah celebrations. Ten incidents across eight days, spanning three continents, serve as a severe warning. We’re working with law enforcement across relevant countries to investigate and prosecute perpetrators. Antisemitism attacks not just the Jewish community but basic human rights and democratic society fundamentals. I call on world leaders to take a clear stance against antisemitism and act decisively to eliminate these phenomena. This wave of antisemitic events during Hanukkah highlights the challenges facing Jewish communities worldwide. Against the backdrop of Christmas and rising terror acts in markets, antisemitism remains a real threat requiring combat through education, legislation, and public action.

Against the backdrop of terror atmosphere at Christmas markets, here’s an overview of key events from the past week:

Canada: Menorah toppled in Toronto
In Toronto’s North York Jewish community, a large Hanukkah menorah was violently knocked over during evening hours, causing concern in this heavily Jewish-populated area. City officials condemned the act and promised a thorough investigation.

United States: Menorah lighting disrupted in Arkansas
In Little Rock, Arkansas, protesters disrupted the annual menorah lighting, shouting at participating families. The downtown event was interrupted when protesters began yelling antisemitic expressions. Former governor Mike Huckabee, present as an honorary guest, expressed shock at the incident.

England: Anti-Jewish demonstrations in London
During a London Hanukkah event, a protester shouted accusations that “Jews are celebrating genocide.” The incident occurred during a public square candle lighting, leaving participants feeling threatened. Local authorities intervened, though no immediate arrests were made.

California: Menorah toppled in Sherman Oaks
In Los Angeles, a Chabad House menorah in Sherman Oaks was knocked down and damaged overnight, captured by security cameras. The Jewish community gathered to restore the menorah and continue celebrations.

England: Menorah vandalized near London
Another menorah in a northern London suburb was violently destroyed. Residents reported seeing youths vandalizing the menorah before fleeing.

New York: Broken menorah in streets
A broken Hanukkah menorah was documented on a New York street, suspected as an antisemitic protest. Local police launched an investigation amid rising vandalism concerns.

Ukraine: Attacks on menorahs and synagogues
Two notable incidents occurred in Ukraine: In Lviv, a menorah was damaged during celebrations, apparently by running youths. In Mykolaiv, a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the central synagogue during Hanukkah celebrations, potentially catastrophic if the fire hadn’t been quickly controlled.

England: Harassment in Gants Hill
In Gants Hill, London, a group of Asian men verbally abused Jews celebrating Hanukkah during early evening hours, causing significant community tension.

University of London: Palestinian flags behind menorah
Palestinian flags were placed behind a menorah set up by Jewish students on campus, viewed as an attempt to provoke and undermine Jewish students’ sense of security.

The wave of antisemitic incidents during Hanukkah underscores the urgent need for coordinated international action against Jewish hatred, combining robust law enforcement, education for tolerance, and protection of Jewish communities worldwide.”