Involvement with the Associated/Young Adult Division

My involvement with The Associated and the Young Adult Division (YAD) came about through a connection with Ali Duhan, a dear friend. Initially, I was unfamiliar with the YAD, but my interest grew as I sought to connect with younger Jewish professionals. This engagement evolved from being a donor to actively hosting events, aiming to create a space for open and candid conversations within the community.

Creation of the Hannukah House

Passion for Celebrating Hannukah

My passion for celebrating Hannukah in such a vibrant and public manner is rooted in the desire to share and include various cultural experiences. Despite facing pushback from different community sides, my goal has always been to promote visibility and inclusion for everyone. The Hannukah House on 34th Street has become a symbol of this vision, showcasing that the street’s magic is not confined to Christmas but open to all celebrations.

In the neighborhood where I live (34^th street) many residents were born and will likely pass away in these same houses. Seeing this continuity inspired me to introduce a Hanukkah house, offering representation and a sense of belonging. This wasn’t about changing the tradition of festive lights but adding to it, maintaining the spirit of community while bringing Hanukkah into the mix. I recall being a young Jewish child, admiring the Christmas decorations yet feeling the overshadowing of Hanukkah. My intention isn’t to disrupt the prevailing Christmas celebration but to enrich it with inclusivity, hoping to inspire others to showcase their holidays too, fostering a more diverse celebration that hadn’t fully materialized yet.

Addressing Antisemitism

There’s been a noticeable rise in antisemitism, a trend not confined to this year alone but persisting over time. My street and home have not been spared, drawing significant media attention that suggests a sudden surge in hostility.

However, the reality is that almost every year brings its challenges. In my seven years here, on three occasions I have been the target of hate crimes. I have had people paint swastikas on my steps or my decorations smashed to bits. Most recently that has had the most media coverage involved me waking up to find smashed watermelons on my lawn.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in antisemitism, affecting both my personal life and the broader community. Incidents of vandalism and hateful expressions have forced me to become more open about these experiences. Despite the challenges, these events have reinforced the importance of standing firm in our identity and advocating for inclusivity and understanding.

Impact and Future Plans

Looking ahead, I aim for the Hannukah House to foster a greater sense of community and to be a beacon of hope, pride, and representation. With plans to host more events and engage more people, the focus remains on creating a safe and inclusive environment. The ultimate goal is to continue celebrating our traditions boldly and visibly, even in the face of adversity. I want to ensure that the spirit of inclusivity shines brightly in our community.