Dec 7

Dec 7 Ritual Brings Relief

Demonstrations, Festivals, Protest, Public Declarations

“Rape, murder!
It’s just a shot away

Gimme shelter, or I’m gonna fade away

I tell you love, sister, it’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away

”

— Gimme Shelter, the Rolling Stones, from Let It Bleed (1969)

Members of ‘Jewish Voice for Peace-Chicago,’ held a ceremony in Federal Plaza late this afternoon to celebrate Hanukah. Founded by Jews, the group is demanding an “end to Israel's occupation of the West Bank and blockade on Gaza; equality for Palestinian citizens of Israel; and the implementation of the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to the homes and properties from which they have been displaced since 1948.”

The notice for the event asked that people bring a menorah and candles so that everyone could participate in lighting the candles on the first night of Hanukah. More than a few honored the request, as evidenced by the many menorahs sitting on one of the polished granite benches in the plaza. The menorahs came in all shapes and sizes—some were low to the bench’s surface while others towered above it. In some cases, the eight branches were identical in size and shape, visually anchored to a horizon line, while menorahs had semi-circular branches that grew smaller as they ascended upward. Some were free of melted wax, while others were encrusted with last year’s crusty deposits.

Over the last eight weeks, virtually everyone has been on pins and needles as they contemplate the tragedy unfolding in Gaza. Israelis seek revenge against Hamas for the atrocities committed against civilians on October 7th, while the Palestinians are furious about the seemingly indiscriminate bombing and Israeli’s longstanding failure to recognize their autonomy. Both groups have supporters in the United States and throughout the world who are highly visible and vocal.

I’ve now been to over 15 demonstrations, many filled with fiery and angry rhetoric encapsulated in speeches and chants. Right now, the world is a depressing place, particularly for anyone who tunes into cable news or regularly peruses the web.

Against that dark backdrop, today’s ceremony provided welcome relief. When I arrived, I asked one of the organizers whether there would be presents. Puzzled, she asked me what I wanted. “Cash and valuable merchandise,” which has been my lifelong response whenever anyone has asked me what I wanted for a birthday, or in our family, Christmas. I think at first she was a bit shocked, but then I thought I saw a glimmer of a smile, or maybe a look of disgust—it can be hard to tell sometimes.

Without taking sides, I got one of the better presents tonight—an uplifting and warm feeling; a momentary respite from all the yelling, shouting, anguish, and tears. People brought their signs and they chanted, but they also underwent a visible transformation—from angry adults to children who were excited about a festive holiday. One person even led the group in a traditional Hanukah song.

While I hesitate to suggest that all the ‘combatants’ living safely far from the actual battlefield lighten up a bit, everybody would benefit by taking a step back and a deep breath. Maybe with the resulting perspective, both sides could agree on a solution. In planning future events, the organizers on each side should keep tonight in mind. People need a breather once and awhile. Perhaps of greater importance, taking the rhetoric and anger down a notch or two can produce a more impactful event.

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