Let Us Be a Light unto the Nations This Chanukah

With the rise in anti-Semitic incidents from France to New York, let us take a moment to think what we can do differently in the coming year. We, the people of Israel, have to build our society in such a way that it becomes a role model to the entire world: with mutual love and mutual connection. Until we do this, anti-Semitism will only intensify and the pressure on us will increase all over the world. We won’t be able to escape our responsibility to the world. It is now time for every Jew, and for all the Jews together, to understand our uniqueness and our role.

The most conspicuous manifestation of the rising anti-Semitism is what is happening on campuses in America. Who could have imagined that young Jewish students in America—the land of the free—would be targeted and harassed on a daily basis?

I talked about it many years ago. I almost got attacked in New York for saying these things about the rise of anti-Semitism, especially in universities. Actually universities are the hotbed of anti-Semitism in the US.

We need to understand that anti-Semitism comes from educated people, not from the uneducated. So we must explain to the world the reason for anti-Semitism, which is what the world is waiting for us to do. The people of Israel must show everyone how to achieve social cohesion, solidarity, and unity among all. The wisdom for achieving this is within us. Once we implement it, anti-Semitism and hatred in general will disappear all over the world.

The next holiday that is coming up is Chanukah, the festivity of lights. This is an ideal time to ponder how we can fulfill our role in these troubled times, to truly become a Light unto the Nations.

Chanukah is indeed the Festival of Light, but what is light? It is the good, friendly relations among people. This is what we must show the world. This is the meaning of being a light unto the nations. The people of Israel must first unite, and through that unity bring out the light of love. This is achieved through special education. And once we have achieved it, it is our duty to teach the rest of humanity. By so doing, we will become a light unto the nations. Happy Chanukah.