Shine a Light on antisemitism. Dispel the darkness.
Antisemitism is hatred of Jews.
For centuries, it's been used to justify stereotyping, scapegoating, and violence. In its more modern form, it denies Israel's right to exist.
Antisemitism exists in polite conversation and in more dangerous and insidious forms. In the shadow of such growing darkness, it can be easy to feel resigned, helpless, or afraid. This Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, we’re shining a light on antisemitism to dispel the darkness in all its forms.
We created the Shine A Light initiative to raise awareness of antisemitism, share educational resources, empower individuals to stand against Jew hatred, and mitigate ignorance.
Illuminating a better way forward.
A growing problem.
American and Canadian Jews from all walks of life are silently absorbing hatred—in their communities, at work, on social media—and they feel unsafe speaking out.
The rise in antisemitism should worry us all because it’s a sign of an intolerant society, and a broader license to hate. By joining forces and supporting each other, we can work to fight it.
What’s Chanukah got to do with antisemitism?
Chanukah is the beautiful, eight-day Jewish holiday known as the Festival of Lights, one of the most joyful holidays in the Jewish calendar. Chanukah reminds us that even one small light has the power to illuminate darkness and spark hope.
A Call to action. #shinealight
This year, for the week of Chanukah (November 28-December 6), whether you’re in class, at work, on the playground, or online, we invite you to join Jews and allies across America and Canada to Shine A Light on antisemitism, fight it in all its forms, and stand up for our shared humanity.
To help Shine A Light, please check out our events, educational and workplace tools, join us on social media to #shinealight, or get in touch for more information.
By The Numbers
FAQ
What is antisemitism?
Antisemitism is the hatred of Jews, Judaism, and can include hatred of the Jewish State. Antisemitism exists in many forms from stereotyping to scapegoating to violence or even the desired erasure of the Jewish people. It targets Jews, individually and collectively, and has adapted over time to falsely link Jews to whatever the societal ills of the era may be.
What does "modern forms of antisemitism" mean?
Antisemitism did not end with the horrors of the Holocaust. The hatred of Jews persists in the twenty-first century in both overt ways – like a shooting at a synagogue or a swastika painted on the side of a building, and subtle ways – such as the perpetuation of Jewish stereotypes or retaliation against Jews in America and Canada for the acts of the Israeli government. In all its forms, antisemitism fosters fear, alienation, and normalizes hate.
Am I antisemitic if I don't support Israel?
You are not antisemitic if you don't support the State of Israel. However, if Israel is the only country that you demonize, delegitimize, and hold to a double standard, these views may be rooted in antisemitism. Often anti-Israel sentiments are used to justify the hatred of Jews writ large or prejudices against Jews are used to demonize the State of Israel. These are both forms of antisemitism.
I'm not Jewish why should I care?
Hatred of Jews is not solely a Jewish problem. Antisemitism is a sign of an intolerant society. By ignoring it, we grant society a broader license to hate. All individuals should care about antisemitism in order to build a society that is more compassionate, educated, and committed to the value of human dignity. Making hatred of Jews socially unacceptable requires Jewish allies to be invested in creating a more compassionate and caring community.