A gathering in Times Square on October 26, 2023, saw Israeli Americans and their supporters come together to call attention to the plight of hostages kidnapped by Hamas. The event featured a striking installation of a 222-seat Shabbat table, symbolizing the hostages still held captive in Gaza.
Despite a long history of antisemitism and acts of violence against Jewish individuals in the United States, a recent rise in hostility has surfaced, leading to a sense of disillusionment among many. Incidents dating back decades, such as the Crown Heights pogrom in 1991 and more recent shootings targeting Jewish communities, have highlighted a consistent thread of antisemitism.
This troubling atmosphere was exacerbated by a shocking experience faced by one individual, who encountered insults while using public transportation—an event that culminated in the need for police intervention. Additionally, the sight of American citizens tearing down posters of civilian hostages while praising groups that incite violence against Jews has ignited a mixture of disbelief and outrage among many.
Recent protests have blurred the lines between political dissent and expressions of hatred toward Jewish people. The Anti-Defamation League reported over 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. since the October 7 massacre by Hamas, raising concerns about the normalization of such hatred.
Jewish tradition speaks to an enduring reality: the Jewish people have faced hatred throughout history, and this has manifested in various forms. The upcoming holiday of Sukkot, characterized by temporary structures, serves as a reminder of vulnerability and divine providence. These structures, designed to be exposed to the elements, symbolize a deeper truth: true security comes not from physical barriers but from faith and divine protection.
The imagery of a storm threatening a sukkah resonates powerfully, emphasizing resilience and the idea that, despite the chaos and malevolence in the world, the Jewish people have endured. Ultimately, the sukkah represents the strength derived from faith, underscoring that even in the face of adversity, hope and security lie in a higher power.