In Darkness, Be the Light

In a recent visit to my homeland, Israel, I found myself amidst a brutal war that unfolded in real time. Unlike my usual reflections, this experience prompted me to revisit the essence of Hanukkah, the festival of lights, which I’ve been writing about in this magazine for the past five years. This celebration commemorates the triumph of the Jewish people over oppressive forces, echoing a timeless theme of good versus evil and light versus dark.
On October 7th, fifty years after my service in the Israeli Defense Forces during the Yom Kippur War, a barbaric conflict unfolded, targeting my family and fellow citizens. Evil, fanatic, and extremist terrorists unleashed violence, committing heinous acts solely based on one’s Jewish identity. Throughout history, the Jewish people have faced enemies seeking their annihilation, from Pharaoh to the Babylonians, and the Spanish Inquisition to the Holocaust.
Established in 1948, Israel stands as the only Jewish state, a refuge born from the promise of the land dating back 4000 years. The recent war, surpassing even the horrors of the Holocaust, poses an existential threat, necessitating a collective response. An extremist military group, with a charter aimed at eradicating Jews, poses not only a danger to Israel but to humanity at large.
As a teacher, Israeli, American, Jew, and above all, a human being, I implore solidarity in the face of growing global antisemitism. Speaking out against witnessed atrocities becomes paramount in preventing another Holocaust. It is a call to stand on the right side of humanity, transcending religious or national affiliations. In times of darkness, we must collectively embody the light, spreading goodness and moral clarity.
In the words of Rumi, “If everything around you seems dark, look again, YOU may be the light.” Regardless of faith or background, embracing our shared humanity is key. Now, more than ever, the responsibility falls on us to defeat the dark forces of evil with the enduring power of goodness and light.
Wishing everyone a bright and joyous Hanukkah, let us collectively strive to ignite the world with the brilliance of compassion and understanding
Naomi Young has been a Jewish studies and a Bar/ Bat mitzvah teacher in Santa Clarita for 40 years. She’s also a published writer and multimedia artist. Contact her at naomiyoung7@yahoo.com Visit her website at www.naomiyoung.com