Amid rising antisemitism in New Jersey and nationwide, Hanukkah has come at a tough time for the state’s Jewish community. The FBI said antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents are up 150% since Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and Israel launched its military operations in Gaza.
Friday marks the second night of the Jewish festival of lights, and rabbis like Joel Pitkowsky said it comes as “Jewish tradition [is] fighting against a much more powerful foe.”
“We cannot let outside actors, especially people who wish to do us harm, dictate to us, tell us, describe for us what our Judaism should look like,” he said.
Hanukkah runs eight days and nights, with many municipalities throughout hosting celebrations to light menorahs.
