Why celebrating Hanukkah means fighting for a just and joyous future

Why celebrating Hanukkah means fighting for a just and joyous future

December 16, 2022
Bend the Arc CEO Jamie Beran celebrating Hanukkah then and now

Hanukkah is a time of joy and reflection for many families, and it’s almost here!

Every year, I light candles (photos above) and celebrate ancestors who made the impossible possible. For me, Hanukkah is a reminder of our strength and resilience, then and now.

Our movement did amazing things together this year. When democracy, freedom, and safety were on the ballot, Jews and allies like you rose up across the country to take on the threats facing our communities — and we won!

With your support, we can expand the possibilities in our fight for a country where Black liberation is realized, our multiracial Jewish family is safe and free, and all people are thriving in the year ahead.


Here’s the thing — our vision is so much bigger than just defeating MAGA Republicans. Our vision is to build a just and joyous future, and elections are only one part of this work.


That's why I’m excited to share with you what a gift to Bend the Arc funds:

  • Combating antisemitism: We recently updated our Antisemitism Messaging Guide, and we're training hundreds of elected officials and progressive partners in how to fight antisemitism in a solidarity framework — joining together across racial and religious differences to fight for safety for all of us. 

  • Partnering with the champions we helped elect to protect our communities: From Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock in Georgia to Rep. Katie Porter in California, we won the opportunity to demand the policies we need to thrive.

  • Training the next generation of Jewish leaders: Bend the Arc is building the bench of multiracial Jewish leadership through our leadership development programs and ongoing field education and training work.

  • Effective grassroots organizing: We are working alongside our partners in 24 cities on local and statewide campaigns under the BREATHE Act platform — a transformational policy blueprint for dismantling systemic racism.

We’re stronger when you’re with us. Join us in building the power we need to win change, at the ballot box and in our communities, with a gift of $18 today.

Chag urim sameach (Happy Hanukkah),

Jamie Beran
CEO, Bend the Arc

PS: I do this work because I can imagine the world we are building — a world where all people can live with safety and equity, freedom and joy. We need you with us to make this world possible for ourselves, our children, and future generations. Donate $18 today to power our movement forward in the year ahead.

Hanukiah on the 8th night of Hanukkah, with #BlackLivesMatter on the front