In light of rising antisemitism, thousands of Americans have joined Project Menorah to help Jewish families celebrate Hanukkah this year.
According to “Good Morning America,” the movement was started when Adam Kulbersh’s 6-year-old son wanted to put up their annual Hanukkah decorations.
Kulbersh noted, “I wasn’t sure that I felt comfortable doing it this year. The rise in antisemitism is historic.”
But when he expressed these concerns to a friend of his, she placed a menorah in her window to support him and his family even though she is not Jewish.
Kulbersh said, “I thought if one friend could do that for me, I think other friends can do that for other Jews. I just wanted to activate those friends.”
This started “Project Menorah.”
This effort encourages people who are not Jewish to place a menorah alongside their Christmas decorations in their windows to display the unifying spirit of the holiday season.
Hanukkah began on Dec. 7 this year.
The New York Post reported that antisemitic incidents have increased by 337%.
In addition, threats of clashes over the Israel-Hamas war have led a Virginia menorah lighting ceremony to be canceled, per the IJR.
To combat this, thousands of Americans have answered the call to join “Project Menorah.”
Emmy Award-winning TV anchor Chris Parente specifically responded to the news about increased antisemitism by stating, “For this reason, and in support of my Jewish friends and neighbors, the menorah will burn bright in my window tonight.”
For this reason, and in support of my Jewish friends and neighbors, the menorah will burn bright in my window tonight 🕎✡️ #projectmenorah https://t.co/cXqUt3nzXw pic.twitter.com/IEh8aQxPca
— Chris Parente (@chrisparente) December 12, 2023
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser posted to spread the word on Sunday, stating, “Many are asking what they can do to address rising #Antisemitism.”
Many are asking what they can do to address rising #Antisemitism. #projectmenorah has an answer–put a menorah in your window this #hanukkah to show that love lives here. May this Festival of Lights bring more light into our world. https://t.co/b8SHtP4aT6
— Phil Weiser (@pweiser) December 10, 2023
“#projectmenorah has an answer–put a menorah in your window this #hanukkah to show that love lives here. May this Festival of Lights bring more light into our world,” he concluded.
Happy Hanukkah! #ProjectMenorah pic.twitter.com/bAENx5EFaV
— Caleb Parke (@calebparke) December 10, 2023
Newsmax correspondent Caleb Parke also shared a picture of his menorah with the simple message, “Happy Hanukkah!”