When Jews recall the Chanukah story of the day’s worth of oil that lasted
for eight, we often forget that the miracle was not the extra mileage the
Maccabees got from a few ounces of fuel.
The miracle was that the leaders of the newly independent Israel were
willing to light the oil to rededicate the Temple—even though there was no
guarantee they would realize that goal.
The story of Chanukah is not about the oil; it’s about the
light. Had the Maccabees not taken those
first uncertain steps, the light of their faith would not still be
visible, more than 2000 years later.
Today, in the first era of Jewish independence since the time of the
Maccabees, Shalom Achshav, Israel’s indefatigable
peace movement, has not stopped, for one
moment, advocating for the steps that will lead to an
end to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians—a goal of two
states at peace, and a secure, Jewish and democratic Israel.
(Peace Now's protest in Hebron from Friday. Sign says: "Opposing the
Settlement in Hebron".)
Prime Minister Netanyahu is not focused on the light. Settlements continue
to proliferate - just last week, alone, the Israeli government approved
doubling the size of the settlement at Hebron, further placing the future
of two states for two peoples in jeopardy. The government sits gridlocked,
facing the prospect of a third, exhausting round of elections while the
sitting prime minister faces criminal proceedings.
And yet, the light of Chanukah is no ordinary light. The light is to
inspire us to never give in to darkness and to never give up
hope. Shalom Achshav is the embodiment of this – they
inspire us to never give up, to not wallow in
despair.
Through your support, you can educate
decision-makers and mobilize grassroots support for a two-state
solution. Because it isn’t about the oil.
It’s about the light.
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Statement from the Progressive Israel Network:
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