The power of tradition and resilience in the face of adversity is a timeless story, but it's one that bears repeating. Rachel Goldberg-Polin's essay, a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit, couldn't be more timely.
Rachel's son, Hersh, was taken from her too soon, murdered in captivity in Gaza. Yet, even in the depths of their captivity, Hersh and his fellow captives found a way to keep their traditions alive. In newly released footage, we see them lighting a menorah, using simple paper cups, in the tunnels where they were held. It's a powerful message of defiance and a celebration of their Jewish heritage, a tradition that spans over two millennia.
As Rachel eloquently puts it, "They were sending a message to their captors and the world: 'We are Jews, and this is what we do on this holiday.'" It's a statement of identity, a refusal to be silenced, and a reminder of the resilience of the Jewish people.
But here's where it gets controversial: in a world where anti-Semitism still rears its ugly head, we see a stark reminder of the dangers faced by Jewish communities. Just this morning, we woke up to the horrifying news of a terror attack in Sydney, targeting Australian Jews. At least 11 people lost their lives, and many more were injured, all while celebrating the start of Hanukkah on Bondi Beach. It's a stark reminder that, despite our progress, hatred and violence persist.
And this is the part most people miss: the resilience and strength of people like Rachel and her community. Despite the pain and loss, they continue to fight, to celebrate, and to honor their traditions. It's a powerful testament to the human spirit.
In July, Rachel and her husband received news from the Israeli intelligence services, a grim reminder of the fragility of life. Each hostage family has a dedicated person to deliver such news, an unfortunate but necessary role. Despite the gravity of their task, this person, with their kind face and decent demeanor, represents a glimmer of humanity in the face of unspeakable tragedy.
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