A Rabbi in the West Midlands has told Jewish communities across the world they shouldn’t be “cowed by intolerance” as he speaks out about “rampant antisemitism”.
As Jews around the world celebrate Hanukkah people are coming together for nightly lightings of the menorah, special prayers, and fried food.
The story of the celebration dates back to the Second Century BCE, when the Jews defeated the Syrian-Greeks persecuting them and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It’s said after they lit the temple’s menorah, a one-day supply of oil lasted eight days.
In Solihull in the West Midlands, the tradition of lighting a public menorah has been happening for 35 years and on the first night of Hanukkah, members of the Jewish community came together to see the first flame burn.
Lighting of a menorah
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Rabbi Yehuda Pink
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Organiser, Rabbi Yehuda Pink, told GB News he was “proud” to see people come out amid “rampant antisemitism”.
He said: “At a time when so many people are terrified due to rampant antisemitism going on around the world, it’s extremely heartening to see so many people come out and stand proud to identify as Jews and be proud of their heritage.
“When people come to you with irrational hatred, hiding your identity isn’t the answer because they’re not going to hate you any less.”
He also issued a rallying cry to Jewish communities across the world.
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He told GB News: “Let’s be proud of our identity; let’s demonstrate that were not going to be cowed by intolerance, and that we’re going to stand proud and share our message of love and kindness with the entire world.”
After increased hostility towards Jews in the UK, the event was attended by multiple officers from the West Midlands police.
In the 60 days after the Hamas terror attack on Israel, the Community Security Trust recorded at least 1890 antisemitic incidents across the UK - the highest ever total reported across a period of that length since the start of records in 1984.
People joining in with the celebrations at the event in Solihull told GB News how their thoughts at this time have changed during this year’s festival.
Milena Bell, a mother of two, said: 'I’ve got a lot of friends and family in Israel and this year they’ve got two menorahs; one which they’re lighting and one which they’re not for all the hostages'
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Milena Bell, a mother of two, said: “I’ve got a lot of friends and family in Israel and this year they’ve got two menorahs; one which they’re lighting and one which they’re not for all the hostages.
“It’s a time to remember there are people who can’t light their menorahs this year and can’t be with their families.”
Lee Benson, who’s supported the work of Rabbi Pink over the last few years, added: “This symbolism of survival, of giving light to everybody, and receiving light, is a feel-good factor.
“It brings everybody together - strangers in the street, not just family – it’s not like a sit-down Christmas lunch.
“It’s eight days – so not even a week, which is seven days – it’s one extra day to go that extra mile.”