In 1993 a brick was thrown through the bedroom window of a 5-year-old Jewish boy, Isaac Schnitzer, who was displaying a Chanukah menorah. Horrified, the town responded. The Billings Gazette printed a full-page menorah, which thousands of citizens pasted in their own windows in a show of solidarity that was trumpeted by the world media as an example of how one small community stood up to hate.
Residents of Billings from all backgrounds publicly rallied in support of their Jewish neighbors. What is noteworthy was that local non-Jewish clergy were front and center in the response.
This past Saturday, windows at Char Bar kosher restaurant in Washington, D.C. were smashed by stones thrown on the anniversary of Kristallnacht, Germany’s “Night of Broken Glass” that preceded the Holocaust. The restaurant’s windows were the only ones targeted on the block. Yet in a response seen elsewhere in the U.S. in recent weeks, police “indicated that at this point there is no information or evidence that this offense was motivated by hate or bias.” Yep, just a weird coincidence. No one has been apprehended.
For non-Jews distressed and angered by the surge in antisemitism, Billings can provide a model of response. In a few weeks, Jews world over will celebrate Chanukah. Sadly, I suspect that Chanukah menorahs in holiday displays will be vandalized. In fact, the Chabad rabbi of Harvard has been told in prior years to take down his menorah each day because Harvard cannot guarantee its safety.
This Chanukah, consider putting a picture of a menorah in your window during the eight days of Chanukah. The first night of the holiday is December 25, so it’s pretty easy to remember. You can easily find menorah pictures online.
Oh yes. Char Bar is located less than a mile from the White House and about three miles from the Capitol. It would be such a powerful statement if members of the administration and Congress made very public visits to the restaurant (they won’t be disappointed in the food). Consider writing to the White House and your congressional representatives and suggest such a visit.
Don’t let Billings be a touching historical footnote, make it the model of how America responds to hate. Don’t stay on the sidelines. Don’t be silent.
