Project Menorah encourages non-Jews to show menorah to fight antisemitism as Michiana celebrates Hanukkah

SOUTH BEND, Ind.— Thursday night, outside the Morris Theatre, the community gathered as Mayor James Mueller and Jewish Community Leaders lit the first candle of the menorah at sundown.

Friday, Robert Feferman from the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley, shared with ABC57 the many traditions of Hanukkah.

This included the lighting of the menorah for each of the eight nights, that hopes to shine light on the darkness going on in the world.

Darkness like war and antisemitism that left one man in Los Angeles fearful to decorate for the holiday this year.

"I am the dad of a six-year-old. He was so excited to see the Christmas decorations going up this year in our neighborhood because he knew it was time to start hanging up our Hanukkah decorations. But, like a lot of Jewish families around the world, I was scared to make a really public display of our Judaism,” said Adam Kulbersh, founder of Project Menorah.

The single father was disheartened to let his six-year-old son, Jack, down and shared the story with a neighbor.

That’s when, she, who’s not Jewish, put a menorah up in solidarity, inspiring him to begin the grassroots movement, Project Menorah, in hopes others will do the same.

"One act of kindness sparked a worldwide movement to shed light on a really dark time," added Kulbersh.

And the movement has brought together people from all religions, from across the world to shine a light on the darkness and illuminate positivity.

"It’s about little towns who are reaching out to their tiny Jewish population and saying we’re here for you, we see you,” Kulbersh said.

The Jewish Federation says that’s what the holiday is all about, building bridges, as they celebrate the Hanukkah season here in Michiana.

"It’s a great idea we as Americans need to come together in these times where there's a rise in antisemitism and islamophobia to show religious minorities are guaranteed their religious freedoms and are protected by all Americans,” said Feferman.

You can go online to Project Menorah’s website to print out a menorah to place in your window along with your other holiday decorations.