Last night, lighting the giant menorah at Mt. Trashmore
Since I was a little girl in Hebrew school, I’ve loved the story of Hanukkah.
What’s not to love about the story of a courageous people triumphing in a battle for freedom, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them?
The lessons of the Maccabean revolt are as relevant in our modern world as they were 2,000 years ago. Persecution against Jews forced my great-great grandfather to leave Poland in 1906, to eventually settle in Jasper, Alabama. Things in Alabama weren’t perfect; anti-semitism was a tragic fact of life, then and now. But he had the most important thing of all: his freedom.
Today, those in power are trying to undo the incredible strides America has made in the last 120 years; attempting to snuff out the beacon of freedom the Jewish people lit 2,000 years ago.
In light of this, I'd like to make you a promise: We will not go back into darkness.
Freedom, justice, and the Constitution are on the line in 2026, John. We need to elect fighters with the chutzpah to shut down hate in all forms and the expertise to keep Americans safe.
I will be that fighter for you. So, before you light the second candle tonight, and before my mid-month deadline hits at midnight, I hope you’ll consider supporting my U.S. House campaign in Virginia’s battleground 2nd District.
May your candles glow brightly, may your latkes be crispy, and may your family be safe and well this Hanukkah.
Chag sameach,
Elaine Luria
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