On the first night of Hanukkah, as I was wishing a happy holiday to my loved ones, my godfather said to me, “We need more light in this dark world.” His words were simple yet incredibly powerful. They resonated with me, motivating me to open my laptop and start typing.

 

Many people may wonder why I chose to write an article centered on Hannukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Two years ago, I might have hesitated to publish something so openly connected to my Jewish identity, worried about how it could affect how others perceived me. However, after witnessing a rise in antisemitic violence around the world, such as the Molotov cocktail attack in Boulder, Colorado last June and the recent antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, I no longer feel that fear. Instead, these events have strengthened my desire to speak up, embrace my culture, and take pride in sharing it publicly.

 

These past few years, especially this last one, have been incredibly difficult for many of us. Much of what we see in the news is dominated by negativity, and my goal is not to revisit all the sadness we’ve already experienced. Still, it is important to remember and never forget what we have endured so that history does not repeat itself. 

 

With that said, I want to take a moment to reflect on what my godfather told me: “We need more light in this dark world.” While the sentence is poetic and could be easily analyzed in an English class, I am more interested in its meaning and impact than its literary devices. Today’s world often feels gloomy and somber, with little light shining through. Yet even a small amount of light can be powerful. With a little goodness, we can shift perspectives, restore hope, and remind ourselves that change is possible.

 

Hanukkah reminds us that light does not appear all at once. It begins with a single flame, fragile yet defiant, and grows night after night. In a world that often feels overwhelming, choosing to be light through pride, kindness, and the courage to speak up can feel small. But small does not mean insignificant. Sometimes, it is exactly what the world needs most.