As we stand at the crossroads of darkness and light this Chanukah, we are painfully reminded that the struggles of ancient days persist in our modern era. The hateful rhetoric of the “Jews Hate Freedom” rally on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament House seeks to extinguish the flames of freedom, dignity, and coexistence that have illuminated our shared human journey for millennia.

Chanukah is the festival of light, born out of the resilience of a people who refused to bow to oppression and tyranny. It recalls the story of the Maccabees, a small band of individuals who stood up against overwhelming forces of hatred and persecution to restore religious freedom and human dignity. Chanukah’s flames remind us of the triumph of light over darkness, justice over cruelty, and love over hate.

The very essence of this holiday stands in direct opposition to the message of those who gathered in hatred on our Parliament’s steps. Their slogans and salutes are not merely offensive; they are a direct threat to the principles of democracy and the freedoms they claim to champion. Freedom is not the domain of those who seek to oppress others. Freedom is the birthright of all humanity, and it is a flame that requires our constant vigilance to protect.

The story of Chanukah teaches us three key lessons, which serve as a call to action in moments like this:

1: The Power of Light in Darkness: One small flame can dispel an entire room of darkness. Each of us has the capacity to shine a light of truth, hope, and justice in the face of hatred. Speak out. Share stories. Refuse to allow bigotry to fester in silence. Let us be the flames that ignite a broader fire of resistance to racism and antisemitism.

2: The Courage to Act: The Maccabees did not wait for someone else to save them. They acted with courage and conviction, even when the odds were against them. We must summon the same bravery, confronting hate not only with words but also with deeds. Whether it is joining an interfaith coalition, supporting initiatives that combat extremism, or simply standing in solidarity with the targeted, we must act.

3: The Miracle of Endurance: Chanukah celebrates not just the victory, but the miracle of endurance—the oil that burned far longer than anyone thought possible. Our communities, too, have endured against countless forces of hatred throughout history. We are still here, committed to the values of justice, kindness, and peace. This endurance is itself a testament to the power of our values over those who seek to destroy them.

As we light our chanukiyot this week, let each flame be a reminder that we have a sacred duty to confront hate wherever it appears. Let it inspire us to build bridges between communities, to educate the ignorant, and to ensure that no ideology of hate takes root in our society.

To those who gathered in hatred this week: we refuse to let your darkness define us. To all those who stand with us against this bigotry: let us bring more light to the world. Let us honor the legacy of Chanukah by ensuring that freedom—true freedom—burns bright for all.

I invite you to join us this Friday evening for our annual Lights & Latkes celebration, where we will come together as a community to rekindle the light of Chanukah with music, prayer, and joy.

Register at: https://www.shtiebel.org.au/lightsandlatkes/

This year, we extend a special invitation to bring your non-Jewish family and friends—their love, support, and care are needed now more than ever. Together, we will shine brighter, embracing the power of connection and shared humanity in the face of hatred.

May we all be inspired this Chanukah to kindle light, courage, and hope, and may we do so together, ensuring that hate has no home here.