PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia took part in a national project during Hanukkah to raise awareness about antisemitism.
City, religious and community leaders gathered to light the menorah at the Municipal Services Building on Tuesday, part of a nationwide effort called Shine a Light on Antisemitism.
Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake was there in solidarity.
“Jews in America and Canada feel alone,” she said. “They are silently absorbing antisemitism in their communities, at work, on social media, and they feel unsafe speaking out. Many of their friends and neighbors aren’t speaking out, so what are we gonna do? Let our light shine.”
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Mayor Jim Kenney credited the Jewish community’s “long, storied history” in Philadelphia.
“We are here today not just to celebrate the incredible contributions of our local Jewish community but also to shine the light on antisemitism, which has disturbingly risen in recent years across the country,” he said.
According to a recent survey by the American Jewish Committee, one in four American Jews was targeted by antisemitism in the last 12 months. Nearly 40% said they changed their behavior as a result.
“The responsibility is on each and every one of us — Jews and non-Jews alike — to find ways to stamp out hatred, change course, and bridge what divides our nation,” added Michael Balaban, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.