Dear John,
Iranian-American Jews, like me, will gather to observe Hanukkah over the next 8 days - a holiday that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of maintaining hope against all odds.
Holidays like this give a space to reflect on the profound challenges we are facing, on the obstacles to peace, on the increasing tensions between Jews and Muslims, and on the urgent need to center empathy, peace, and the preservation of human life during this moment.
I’m compelled to critically examine the words of Bibi Netanyahu, when he attempted to invoke a biblical justification for this war, calling this conflict with Hamas a struggle between “ the children of light and the children of darkness. ” He said this amidst a military campaign that has inflicted profound and lasting suffering, displacing 1.8 million Palestinians from their homes, killing over 15,000 civilians, including more than 6,000 children, after an attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 Israelis and took over 200 hostages.
But Netanyahu’s narrative, his framing this conflict as a direct battle of “ children of light ” over “ children of darkness ” is not only a distasteful oversimplification but also does a disservice to the complexity and humanity at the heart of this conflict.
Such rhetoric warps the core values of Judaism and attempts to justify actions that escalate this conflict AND edge us closer to a destructive regional war. Netanyahu’s stance, far from a beacon of light, instead represents a descent into darkness; it echoes the same inhumanity seen in groups like Hamas, whose rejection of Jewish humanity and killing of civilians must equally be condemned. Both perspectives are blind to the shared humanity that is essential for lasting peace and resolution.
I am reminded of a poignant quote from Jewish scripture, from the Tanach, that says, “ Thou shalt not oppress the stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger, you yourselves were once strangers in Egypt. ”
This underscores a much more important message. One of empathy and understanding. Both of which will be crucial as we continue to seek peace. This is the message I’d like to share most this holiday season.
I’m glad to be part of a team that amplifies the diversity of voices — Jewish voices like mine, Muslim, Kurdish, Christian, Black — that are all Iranian voices. Our “light” lies in this diversity of our experiences, in the things we learn from each other and in our shared empathy, understanding, and goal of preserving human life.
So, whether or not you are lighting Hanukkah candles this year, may the true essence of light - peace, empathy, understanding, and a relentless commitment to preserving life - continue to illuminate our paths.
And please know that NIAC, alongside our allies, will keep fighting to strive towards a world where light truly triumphs over darkness.
Chag sameach,
Etan Mabourakh Community & Advocacy Associate, NIAC[[link removed]]
unsubscribe: [link removed]