A light unto the nations

The Hebrew prophet Isaiah spoke these memorable words from Jerusalem, the Capital of the Kingdom of Judah.

His prophecy envisaged that the Jewish People’s historic destiny was to be a light and blessing for the rest of humanity.

It is very appropriate to dwell on this, particularly as we commemorate Chanukah and its association with lights.

I am not sure if Isaiah foresaw the devastating disasters that being “a light unto the nations” would precipitate over the space of two thousand years.

Why should being a light to others be a cause of enmity, hate and delegitimisation? One would think that bringing a message of ethical monotheism and moral codes of behaviour to humanity might instead result in gratitude and approval.

The stark reality has been and remains, in fact, the opposite.

Whether it was because of theological dogmas, imperial ambitions, jealousy or plain old hate, the resultant animosity towards Jews has become fatally embedded.

No matter how many times Jews have tried to shine the light of knowledge and progress and have improved society, their efforts have been denigrated. Despite odd periods of brightness, the overwhelming response has been one of disdain, ostracism and vitriol.

One commentator suggested that this all stemmed from a sense of frustration over the impact that Jews have had and continue to have on society. In almost every field of endeavour, Jews have been and continue to be represented in numbers out of all proportion to their numerical strength.

Since the rebirth of Jewish sovereignty in their historical homeland, the virus of anti Jew hate has mutated.

Anti-Zionism and denial of the legitimacy towards the national home of the Jews is now the common cause of the inciters and haters. The aversion to Jews as a religious group and their national aspirations remains constant.

Psychologists should have a field day trying to analyse self-loathing individuals who deny the historical connection between the Jewish People and their Promised Land. Throughout history, we have always been plagued by those who delight in turning on their brethren, especially during the most dire periods of danger.

The festival of Chanukah provides a perfect example of how many people continue to misrepresent this annual celebration.

A recent survey discovered that Chanukah is “observed” in one form or another by an astonishing percentage. In Israel, 73% of Jews light candles for the full week. No doubt, the attraction of sufganiyot and latkes, and the absence of work restrictions, are factors. In the USA, the percentage is 60% which is most probably the result of assimilation and a lack of Jewish education.

A common theme that has taken hold is the narrative that this Festival of Lights spreads “peace” and “love” to all. Light defeating darkness is a message repeated by every political hack, spokesperson and many religious leaders. In Diaspora communities, this no doubt plays well, seeing it’s the “festive season” and is a sure winner in interfaith circles.

In fact, the real light of Chanukah can be focused in an alternative direction.

The reason it is not generally highlighted has to do with political correctness. The jar of oil, which lasted for more than one day, was certainly miraculous, but it had nothing to do with banishing darkness and spreading joy to the world.

It was the culmination of the military campaign to defeat Greek-Syrian attempts at subjugating Jews and banning their faith. It marked the ultimate triumph of Jews and Judaism against Hellenistic pagan forces and those whose agenda was the elimination of Jewish sovereignty as well as vanquishing Judaism via assimilation.

It also commemorated the restoration of Jerusalem as the capital of a Jewish nation and the rededication of the temple. Cleansing this centre of Jewish worship from pagan defilement was the ultimate victory over the forces of evil and hate.

It is ironic that this struggle against the deniers of Judaism and sovereignty is swept under the carpet these days and replaced by sentiments more politically acceptable.

In his message sent to the Jewish community before the recent pogrom at Bondi, the Australian Prime Minister included the following: “the story of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil is one of renewal, courage and unity. It is also a story of hope and faith, standing strong in the face of adversity. These are themes that have resonated with particular power over the past two years which have cast a shadow of pain and loss over times of celebration.”

Noble sentiments indeed, except for one glaring deficiency.

His reference to the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem is diametrically opposite to his Government’s declarations that Jerusalem is not the capital of Israel and that the Temple Mount is “occupied Palestinian territory” which the Jews must surrender.

Furthermore, his recognition of “Palestine” with this part of Jerusalem as its capital and his embrace of Abbas and the PA, which denies that Jews were ever sovereign there, is at odds with his Chanukah message.

In other words, this Chanukah message is as fake as his expressions of standing strong in the face of adversity. No mention of the terror group Hamas, jihadists and deniers of Jewish history.

To be fair, the Prime Minister’s Chanukah message is no worse than those issued by other world leaders at this time of the year.

The UN Secretary General, showing that he has not the slightest idea about Chanukah, described it as “a festival celebrating the miracle of peace and light vanquishing darkness.” This pearl of misinformation emanates from an official who is working day and night to deprive Israel and Jews of the sovereignty which Chanukah commemorates.

The resounding silence from world Jewish leaders, lay and religious, to these blatant distortions and banal pontifications is not surprising. It is part of a pattern of remaining silent and not causing waves.

Years of silent acquiescence in the face of political hypocrisy have merely emboldened politicians who know that they can get away with drivel.

The horrendous events on Bondi Beach are the cumulative results of the government’s refusal to seriously face up to the toxic side effects of years of increasing hate against Jews.

The Maccabees did not defeat their enemies by giving resounding speeches and issuing worthless promises.

Light and declarations did not liberate Jerusalem and restore the Temple.

The mighty who were delivered into the hands of the weak found that at the end of the day, their enmity against the Jews could not prevail.

The lights of Chanukah shining forth today, from a reunited eternal Jerusalem, send a relevant message to Jews everywhere.

Never again should we allow our enemies to prevail.

Come back home to where the events of Chanukah first happened and where prophecy is being fulfilled.

Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who for many years was actively involved with various communal organisations connected to Judaism and Israel. He now lives in Israel and is J-Wire’s correspondent in the region.