It is only out of darkness that one is able to see light. Tanhuma – the wisdom of our tradition comes to remind us that if it were not for darkness, we would not be able to discern our need for light. In these darkest days of the year, may the small light of Hanukkah inspire us to remember that we must hold fast to the mitzvah of increasing the light every day with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our resources.
The opposite of despair, it is said, is not hope, but commitment. May the practice of lighting a candle against the darkness every day strengthen our commitment to seek the light in our place and to add our own to it.
– Rabbi Ariel Stone, Congregation Shir Tikvah
Just as the oil in the Hanukkah story sustained light – here at J Street, the pursuit of justice fuels hope and progress. In Washington and in our communities, our movement is fighting for a better future through advocacy, dialogue and activism.
J Street’s 2024 advocacy efforts – whether lobbying Members of Congress, collecting signatures on petitions or working closely with our champions on legislation – show that grassroots initiatives are vital for upholding the light of democracy.
Just this year, we hosted nearly 200 formal meetings on Capitol Hill between our most engaged supporters and lawmakers. We collected thousands of signatures from pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy Jewish Americans who believe that the US can and must play a significant role in changing the devastating reality in Israel-Palestine. Our staff in Washington worked with key offices on the Hill to put forth policy to end the suffering and set the region on a path to peace.
Our movement’s relentless efforts give us hope that our advocacy toward a more compassionate world will be realized.