Tomorrow marks the shortest day of the year, the turning point when light begins to increase, and sunsets stretch later. A welcome reprieve from the early darkness. In these dark winter days, it’s not just the literal light we crave, but the light of community and family.
The light of hope.
And so, in the waning days of 2024, a year shadowed by war and heartbreaking loss, I’m lifting up some of the poignant and powerful moments of light we’ve collectively experienced.
Jewish Joy: In parallel with the anguish surrounding October 7, we’ve witnessed a once-in-a-generation surge in Jewish pride and Jewish engagement — one that might have fully dissipated a year-plus later. But defying expectations, this wave continues. To make the most of this opportunity, UJA is investing an additional $25 million from our endowment over three years to channel this momentum into something even greater and more enduring.
As Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt aptly notes, we need to embrace the joy of Jewish life every bit as much as the oy. Which is why while confronting antisemitism with one hand, we’ve modeled vibrant Jewish community with the other. From our 1,700-person Wall Street Dinner to sold-out Shabbat dinners to this week’s Hanukkah party with over 500 young adults, in the darkest of times, we’ve found that light in one another.
One People, One Heart: This past year’s parade celebrating Israel on Fifth Avenue was unlike any in its 60-year history. Recognizing it was not a time for pom-poms and beach balls, together with our partners at JCRC, we decided to focus the parade on the plight of the hostages and the devastated communities in southern Israel. Many speculated that attendance would be down, given fears around security. But the opposite occurred. In a striking affirmation of the strength and vitality of our New York Jewish community, more than 100,000 marchers and 25,000 spectators showed up — more than doubling the prior year’s turnout.
I had the memorable experience of standing on UJA’s float alongside Eden Golan, Israel’s representative to the Eurovision song contest, who was in the United States for the very first time. To see the parade through her tear-filled eyes — how she experienced the palpable love and support of the largest Jewish community outside of Israel for her and all the people of Israel — was to feel the light of all the Hanukkah candles around the world, lit at once.
Our Impact in Israel: UJA has allocated over $146 million in emergency funding since October 7 to support critical needs in Israel. From field hospitals saving lives to fire-extinguishing equipment saving land. From mental health support for the Tribe of Nova to funding the Nova exhibit in New York, ensuring people bear witness. From physical recovery for the injured to economic recovery for small businesses. In many cases, we’ve been the first and largest funder of programs, opening the door to additional funders. In traveling to Israel a dozen times since October 7, I’ve heard the most profound expressions of thanks that I share with all of you.
Restored Confidence: One of the most pernicious consequences of October 7 was the sense that Israeli confidence in its national security had been shattered. If Israelis feel unsafe raising their families in Israel, the very existence of the Jewish state is in jeopardy. Thankfully, much has happened over this past year to restore that lost confidence. Israel’s military might has been powerfully reasserted — with the potential to see a region transformed.
Our Brooklyn Hub: This beautiful 13,000-square-foot one-stop social service center is now up and running, serving the communities of Bensonhurst and Boro Park with an online food pantry and an array of services that move people from crisis to stability. We’re taking the fight to break the cycle of poverty to a whole new level, where client dignity comes first and where one stop can change a life.
A Mother’s Gratitude: One of the darkest points of this year was in late August when we learned of the death of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, along with five other hostages. Earlier this month, Hersh’s mother, Rachel, spoke at our Wall Street Dinner, sharing the gratitude she felt for a community that sustained her and how blessed she felt for the 23 years and 3 days she had with Hersh. In every captivating word, we felt the warmth of her light and her blazing passion to see the remaining hostages return home.
Unlike most other Jewish holidays, Hanukkah doesn’t ask a lot of us. There is no special prayer service. No special clothing. No restrictions. There is not even a requirement to have a feast. (We take it upon ourselves to eat latkes!)
But we are told that we must publicize the miracle by placing the menorah either outside the front door or in a windowsill, so all can see. And the miracle? There are many. That a single cruse of oil burned for eight nights. That Jewish identity endured against all odds. That in our own time, we’ve returned to the land of Israel, where the Hanukkah story unfolded. That our community here in New York continues to grow and thrive.
We don’t hide the light; we share it proudly with the world. Let it illuminate who we are, in all our radiance.
Wishing you a light-filled Hanukkah and a year of health, happiness, and hope.
Shabbat shalom