A Historic Spike in Hate
In the US, Antisemitism hit record numbers in 2021. Then higher in 2022. Then even higher in 2023. Globally, virtually no Jewish community was spared with incidents in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Harassment, vandalism, and physical assault all rose. Activity by white supremacist groups doubled. Antisemitic activity on college campuses was up significantly and even more in K-12 schools. Major politicians, celebrities, and influencers were pushing out Holocaust denial and “the Jews run everything” fictions. In the weeks before Hanukkah 2023, there were over 10,000 antisemitic tweets daily, regular bomb threats on Jewish schools and synagogues, and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries and homes. Horrifically, Jewish homes and businesses in Berlin were vandalized and painted with Jewish stars reminiscent of Kristallnacht. And in an era marked by frequent and fast social media expressions of solidarity following tragedies large and small, in the wake of the October 7th massacre, rape, torture, and kidnapping of Jews in Southern Israel, there was a deafening silence. Jews felt alone and scared.
A Single Act of Courage
It was in this moment that Jews worldwide had to decide whether or not to celebrate Hanukkah as our ancestors had for thousands of years, including placing a lit menorah in our most public facing window. Many, like single father Adam Kulbersh, were afraid this would make them targets for violence. When Adam shared this with a non-Jewish friend, Jennifer Marshall, she said, “I’ll put a menorah in our window. You are not alone.” With that simple, selfless gesture, Project Menorah was born.
Activating the Allies
Whenever Jews have been threatened, non-Jewish helpers have always stepped up. Miep Gies hid Anne Frank from the Nazis and saved her diary for the world to see. Activists worldwide fought to help 10,000 Jews escape Soviet oppression. Millions spoke out in solidarity with the Jewish community after the Tree of Life synagogue massacre.
Adam started Project Menorah, hoping to engage those helpers in a moment of crisis.
The Birth of a Movement
The goal was simple: Encourage non-Jews to place a menorah or one of our downloadable pictures of a menorah in their window as an act of solidarity. “Show your Jewish neighbors that you are a safe space. And tell the world Only Love Lives Here.”
One of our very first supporters was Misty Moffitt of Decatur, Georgia. She proudly displayed a Project Menorah printout at her place of business.
At a time when Jewish businesses were facing vandalism and harassment, this was a powerful act of courageous solidarity.
Within days, thousands of others, from around the world, would join Misty in this simple and brave act of kindness and love.
Artists and Jewish Leaders Joined
Synagogues, Jewish Clergy, and Activist Groups like #StandUpToJewishHate spread the word in sanctuaries, schools and via social media forums large and small.
A number of Jewish Artists created and donated their work to support our mission. Among them were:
Writer/Director Lori Elberg, who contributed her claymation characters, The Dreidelmens to the cause.
And Jeanette Kuvin Oren, the artist who created the official United States Menorah postage stamp, who granted us free access to a coloring version.
Jews and non-Jews Around the World Joined the Cause
Tens of thousands of people participated by posting a menorah or sharing pictures of those who did. All 50 US states (plus DC and the US Virgin Islands) participated. We were tagged by menorah posts in Italy, England, India, Norway, Lebanon, Scotland, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, France, Israel, Canada, The Netherlands, Trinidad & Tobago, Senegal, and Antarctica!
The Press
In that short 3 week span, Project Menorah was featured in over 900 different TV news segments, newspaper, magazines and more around the world. From Indiana to India and Anchorage to Antarctica, people were talking about these super local, and incredibly powerful, acts of kindness between neighbors.
WE CELEBRATED!
The solidarity and support was felt far and wide. Our inbox and social media feeds were filled with stories of neighbors helping neighbors helping neighbors. And many Jews who might otherwise have closed their curtains this year threw them open wide and celebrated loud and proud.
Due to the outpouring of love he witnessed around the world, Adam learned and taught his son that “while we may be afraid, we cannot hide. We will light our menorah, open our windows, and shine our light into the world.
