Hanukkah Begins Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict

Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, coincides with Christmas this year, marking a rare overlap that has occurred only five times in the last 114 years. Celebrations began on December 25th, with events such as music performances by Temple Israel in Wilkes-Barre and public menorah lightings in Tampa, where the holiday was commemorated with community gatherings. In Jerusalem, relatives of hostages held in Gaza lit the first candle at the Western Wall, expressing hope for their loved ones' return amid ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage exchanges. The holiday, which lasts eight days, celebrates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following a Jewish victory in 165 BCE. In the U.S., Hanukkah has also become a time for gift-giving, similar to Christmas, with various public menorah lighting ceremonies planned across the country. This year's unique timing of Hanukkah and Christmas has sparked both joyous celebrations and poignant reflections on current events in Israel and Gaza.