In an attempt to lift our spirits during what had already become a dark start to Hanukkah, a friend forwarded me a YouTube sketch titled “Jewish Jeopardy!” It begins with the host cheerfully announcing, “Welcome back to Jewish Jeopardy! Not to be confused with Jews in Jeopardy, which is a show about Otisville.” If you didn’t get that joke, don’t worry — I didn’t either. I had to look up what “Otisville” was referring to.

It becomes even harder to laugh once we start thinking about the routine harassment and assaults that Jews are now facing in New York City, home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel. Jewish friends are more and more frequently sharing stories of being verbally abused on the streets or in the subways, simply for wearing visible symbols of our faith. In a group chat that I’m in, one of my friends texted us: “Guys, I’ve never been more afraid for American Jews. God help us.”

After watching the sketch, which, after the Otisville misfire, was actually quite funny, I texted my friend back that “‘Jews in Jeopardy’ could be the title of what’s been going on in the world lately…oye.” My friend replied, “Funny but not funny.” He was right. In moments of real danger, dark humor can provide fleeting relief, but it quickly fades when confronted with the stark reality facing Jewish communities today.

Yet there is some reassurance in our current leadership. Donald Trump is often described by supporters as one of the most supportive presidents toward Jewish communities and Israel in history. He’s been forceful in vigorously condemning antisemitism and robustly supporting Jewish security, particularly in his second term. His administration has taken concrete steps to address hate. Still, I shudder when I realize that it would be Pollyannaish to expect any one single leader, even the president of the United States, to be able to reverse a worldwide tide of resentment and violence. 

More than two years ago, on Oct. 7, 2023, the sacred Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, traditionally filled with joyous dancing around Torah scrolls and communal festivity, was irrevocably transformed into a day of collective trauma. Hamas terrorists stormed southern Israel, murdering over 1,200 people, taking hundreds hostage, and perpetrating acts of unspeakable brutality. For Jews across the diaspora, a time of rejoicing became one of profound mourning, igniting an ongoing war and unleashing a global wave of antisemitic expressions and actions that shows little sign of abating.

Now, in a chilling parallel, another holiday dedicated to light, miracles, and defiance against oppression has been violently interrupted. On Dec. 14, the first night of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights commemorating the ancient rededication of the Temple and the enduring flame of Jewish resilience, a terrorist attack targeted “Chanukah by the Sea,” a beloved annual event hosted by Chabad of Bondi in Archer Park, just steps from Sydney’s famous beachfront.

Nearly........

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