* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
So much pain and darkness on the first day of the Festival of Lights: 16 people murdered in Australia at the menorah lighting on the first night of Chanukah. What should we do now?
Our first response should be a firm public declaration of faith.
Let us learn from the words of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Hy”D, the Chabad emissary who organized yesterday’s event in Australia and was murdered in the terrorist attack.
Three months ago, Rabbi Schlanger published an open letter on his Facebook page to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in response to rising antisemitism and his government’s official recognition of a Palestinian state.
He wrote:
“As a rabbi in Sydney, I beg you not to betray the Jewish people and not to betray G-d Himself.
This land was given by G-d to Abraham, then to his son Isaac, and then to Jacob, to be the eternal homeland of the Jewish people.
Throughout history, Jews have been torn from their land again and again by leaders who are now remembered with scorn in the pages of history.
Today, you have the opportunity to stand on the side of truth and righteousness. By rescinding this act of betrayal, you will not only honor the Jewish people and our heritage but also align yourself with the word of G-d.
Should you choose this path, you will be welcomed home with open arms and even a warm Shabbat meal. I congratulate you in advance for the courage to do what is right and to stand firmly against this act of heresy.”
But after we absorb this powerful message, how do we respond in our day-to-day lives to the rise of antisemitism?
Last Chanukah, Rav Eli posted a lighthearted and joyful video under the title: “This is How We Fight Antisemitism.” He filmed himself affixing a menorah to the roof of his car, dancing with joy in the street, and then turning to the viewers and asking them. “Would you also like a menorah for your car or home? Send me a message.”
The prime minister of Australia did not respond to Rave Eli’s letter, and to our tremendous sorrow, we can no longer send notes to Rav Eli. But his two messages echo even more powerfully today:
We must strengthen our faith—proclaiming it loudly and clearly—and continue to do more mitzvot and good deeds to add more light to our world.
In memory of our murdered brothers and sisters.
