Jewish and Israeli Holidays
William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, applauded the opportunity U.S. President Biden took “to speak about the scourge of anti-Semitism facing our nation and to shine a light on anti-Semitism is a message that all of America must hear.”
The virtual celebration took place on the third night of Hanukkah; it ended with a menorah-lighting at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
“The combination of their strength and spirit is what empowers Am Yisrael throughout the generations to stand against those who rise against us and to triumph,” said Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz.
The gathering coincided with the 74th anniversary of Nov. 29, 1947 vote on the U.N. Partition Plan that called for the establishment of two separate states in British Mandate Palestine: one Jewish and one Arab.
“The scourge of anti-Semitism has burned hot. And it is so essential that we come together—not just as Jews, but as people, as human beings, as Americans—to beat back any hatred,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz at an outdoor menorah-lighting.
“On many occasions, we have to distribute other types of items related to Judaism, which the residents of these countries have no way of getting,” said Yad L’Achim president Rabbi Shmuel Lifschitz.
“Unfortunately, we are still fighting COVID-19, but we will not be deterred and will celebrate—with the utmost caution—together again this year,” said Rabbi Shlomó Köves.
“There was a lot of heart here this time that I haven’t heard in a while. I think people are really starting to appreciate what we have here as Jews, compared to where we could be in other countries and stuff,” said Willetta Lee of Virginia.
A local blacksmith helped repair the menorah, making it useable for the lighting ceremony on the first night of the holiday.
The Israeli star sang at the L.A. Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors game at the Staples Center on the first night of the Jewish Festival of Lights.
Dave Grohl and producer Greg Kurstin team up for “The Hanukkah Sessions 2021,” in which they release a cover of a song by a Jewish artist each night of the holiday.
The community’s Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki said the incident was not typical in an area with a significant Jewish population.
