Our tradition teaches that the flames of the chanukiah should be lit in a row so that a person walking by can recognize each light and, together, they should not appear as one large torch. On Chanukah, we celebrate a growing brightness that retains its distinctiveness and individuality, because our strength comes not from blurring those boundaries, but in locking arms as our full selves. Tonight, we honor the diverse voices working toward peace in the region, standing tall in their confidence and fullness as they unite in shared strength and the pursuit of justice. Because together, we always shine brighter.
– Maharat Rori Picker Neiss, Senior Vice President for Community Relations at the Jewish Council for Public Affairs
This year, our light at J Street was only made brighter with the help of our partners and friends along the way. This war has touched the lives of so many at home and abroad, and more communities than ever – Jewish and not – are speaking out about the need for peace and humanity for Israelis and Palestinians alike. We were proud to partner with activists, advocacy groups and community leaders who aided our fight.
J Street U partnered with Breaking the Silence, an anti-occupation organization founded by former IDF soldiers, to host events at universities all over the country highlighting the moral costs of the occupation and fostering critical conversations about peace in the region.
In efforts to unite for pro-democracy, pro-Israel movements, we supported events and protests hosted by UnXeptable, a group of Israeli expats that got its start opposing Netanyahu’s now-revived judicial overhaul.
Most recently, J Street joined forces with the Muslim Public Affairs Council in a joint statement pledging to collaborate on advocacy efforts to combat rising hatred against marginalized communities and protect First Amendment rights when criticism of Israel is all too often spun and weaponized as antisemitism.
As we look to the next four years ahead, it is vital to strengthen our solidarity – with refugees, women, LGBT+ individuals, Palestinians and beyond – as we and our partners come under increasing attack from a xenophobic, intolerant right-wing government. We are only stronger together.