Some Jews residing in Los Angeles, California, are struggling to decide how they want to celebrate Hanukkah this year, expressing concern that decorations in their homes could provoke a backlash from anti-Semites during the war between Israel and Hamas.
Adam Kulbersh, who lives in Studio City, told the LA Times that he didn’t know how to explain to his six-year-old son Jack the plight of Jews in the wake of the ongoing conflict, admitting that a menorah could attract unwanted attention.
“Right now there are bad people who want to do bad things,” Kulbersh told his son. “My number one job is to keep you safe and we’re not going to hang decorations.”
A store in the Hollywood Hills ended a 30-year tradition when the owner decided not to display a large menorah, citing fear of harassment or vandalism.
“There are crazy people in the world. “They could come and burn everything,” said the owner.
The man was one of several people who asked the LA Times not to reveal their full names for fear they could be attacked because of their Jewish faith.
An Atwater Village resident, Nicole, compared the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas to a bruise that still lingers in the Los Angeles community, which has one of the largest Jewish populations in the country.
“I feel a little homesick for the holidays, but I don’t necessarily feel unsafe here,” she said. “I will not stop talking about my faith. That’s why I can shop at a kosher deli without feeling guilty.”
UC-Berkeley history and Jewish studies professor Ethan Katz told the Times that the vulnerability Israel and Jews have faced since Oct. 7 is analogous to the fears Americans experienced after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. September 2001.
Some Jews in Los Angeles are struggling to decide how they want to celebrate Hanukkah this year. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Days before the interview, Katz was walking down the street wearing a hat worn by observant men known as Kippahs. Someone inside a nearby car shouted: “Free Palestine.”
“I started by saying, ‘You don’t know anything about my position on Israel. You’re making a lot of assumptions. And you’re assuming that because I’m a Jewish person, I must have certain views about Israel and that I’m an easy target for you to express your opinions about Israel,’” Katz said.
Men stand in front of a synagogue in Los Angeles with an Israeli flag. AFP via Getty Images
Despite the alarm, many area Jews still say they will express their faith and participate in the upcoming festivities.
“If Jews can’t be Jewish publicly in Los Angeles, then we shouldn’t live in Los Angeles anymore,” said Conservative Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz.
Daniela Gerson, a board member of the Jewish spiritual community Nefesh, expressed a similar sentiment, noting that people often find solace in Jewish communion.
“Normally, the menorah lighting in my house is private. I don’t plan to change anything about this Hanukkah,” she said.
Despite the alarm, many area Jews still say they will express their faith and participate in the upcoming festivities. fake images
After telling a non-Jewish friend that he would not be hanging decorations this year, Kulbersh said his non-Jewish friend offered to place a menorah in his own window as a sign of solidarity.
“Now I can turn to my son and say, ‘This year we’re not just going to hang our decorations, we’re going to do it big and he’s excited,'” Kulbersh said.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn