Milwaukee joins Hanukkah ‘Shine a Light’ initiative, fights antisemitism

MILWAUKEE - On Sunday, Dec. 18, the first night of Hanukkah, Bayshore hosted the free "Chanukah Festival and Gelt Drop," including a giant Menorah lighting. The president of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation said this year, it's especially important to be visible in the fight against antisemitism.

Milwaukee is part of a national "Shine a Light" initiative. The goal is to use the eight nights of Hanukkah to bring attention to antisemitism.

"It’s really to bring attention and education to the unprecedented increases of antisemitism that have been occurring," said Joan Lubar, Milwaukee Jewish Federation board chair. "Since 2015, antisemitism has risen by 459%. These are just alarming levels."

The more than 2,000-year-old holiday brings families together.

"Hanukkah comes in the cold, but it comes to warm up the cold," said Rabbi Mendel Shmotkin, CEO of Chabad-Lubavitch of Wisconsin. 

"I like the experience, how it’s eight nights and the stories, all the fun activities like dreidel," said Benjamin Shalelashvili, 9.

This year, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation hopes the celebrations will also send a message. 

"I think it’s really important to be visible and let people know that people in your life that you probably see all the time are Jewish and are proud to be Jewish," said Lubar. "We need to celebrate being Jewish and that we all can live together."

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In Wisconsin, the federation says reports of antisemitism in high schools and middle schools increased 80% from 2020 to 2021.

 "That’s just frightening to think that Jews anywhere, but Jews in middle school or high school, have to be afraid of maybe wearing their Star of David around their neck," said Lubar.

As the first candle was lit Sunday, they celebrated their culture that has lasted generations.

"To me, it means that many people appreciate and enjoy this holiday," said Shalelashvili.

Milwaukee's Hoan Bridge is also participating in the "Shine a Light" campaign. The bridge will act as a sort of menorah for the city for eight days, with one light lit on Sunday for the first night of Hanukkah. 

Chabad-Lubavich of Wisconsin is also hosting events for every night of Hanukkah.