ZH: Hanukkah Security Ramped Up Across West; ‘First they came for the Socialists … Then they came for the Jews’

A Hanukkah Menorah (MathKnight)

Many Jews celebrate a time that they call Hanukkah. It starts the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar. This year Hanukkah began December 14th at sunset and is to run until sunset December 22nd.

Here is a report from The Temple Institute:

The 25th day of Kislev is the first day of the eight day festival of Chanukah! The picture depicts the Chashmonean Kohanim (priests) ridding the Holy Temple of the idolatrous statues that had been brought in by the Greek oppressors and re-purifying the Temple vessels that had been defiled by the Greeks. (Newsletter, November 9, 2018)

The Jewish Encyclopedia of 1906 shows this about it:

The Feast of Dedication, also called “Feast of the Maccabees,” celebrated during eight days from the twenty-fifth day of Kislew (December), chiefly as a festival of lights. It was instituted by Judas Maccabeus, his brothers, and the elders of the congregation of Israel, in the year 165 B.C., to be celebrated annually with mirth and joy as a memorial of the dedication of the altar (I Macc. iv. 59) or of the purification of the sanctuary (II Macc. i. 18). Three years earlier, on the same day, Antiochus Epiphanes had caused a pagan altar to be set up at the altar of burnt offerings in the Temple at Jerusalem, and sacrifices to be offered to his idol (I Macc. i. 41-64; II Macc. vi. 2). The idol called “Zeus Olympius” was probably also called “Ba’al Shamayim,” of which seems to be a cacophemy (Dan. xi. 31, xii. 11; I Macc. i. 54; see Hoffmann, “Ueber Einige Phönizische Inschriften,” 1889, p. 29).

After having recovered the Holy City and the Temple, Judas ordered the latter to be cleansed, a new altar to be built in place of the one polluted, and new holy vessels to be made. When the fire had been kindled anew upon the altar and the lamps of the candlestick lit, the dedication of the altar was celebrated for eight days amid sacrifices and songs (I Macc. iv. 36), similarly to the Feast of Tabernacles (II Macc. x. 6; comp. ib. i. 9), which also lasts for eight days, and at which during the Second Temple (Suk.v. 2-4) the lighting of lamps and torches formed a prominent part. Lights were also kindled in the household, and the popular name of the festival was, therefore, according to Josephus (“Ant.” xii. 7, § 7), Πῶτα = “Festival of Lights.” http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/7233-hanukkah accessed 11/05/17

Here is another report about it:

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish holiday also known as the Festival of Lights, …

The holiday begins on the eve of the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev and commemorates the 165 B.C. triumph of a small group of Jewish people known as the Maccabees against the mighty Seleucids, driving the Greeks from the Holy Land and reclaiming and rededicating the Temple.

Tradition holds that the triumphant Jews sought to light the Temple’s menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum, but only had a small amount of olive oil. Miraculously, the one-day supply of oil burned for eight days, giving time for the preparation of new oil. http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/12/hanukkah_2015_what_is_the_jewi.html

In some circles, it’s called Chrismukkah. This word combining Christmas and Hanukkah originated with the TV show “The O.C.” when Seth Cohen, a character on the show, wanted to celebrate both his Jewish father’s and Catholic mother’s holidays.

While the term may cause some followers of both faiths to bristle, for interfaith families it is especially fitting this year, as Jewish people will light the first Hanukkah candle on Christmas Eve, with the eighth and final candle lighting on New Year’s Eve. This convergence of holidays gives interfaith Jewish and Christian families the opportunity to share traditions simultaneously through food.

Blending religious holiday traditions can be challenging, but an open mind and a willingness to compromise are the two keys to keeping everyone happy, said Marion Usher, a Washington, D.C.-based family therapist with Wisconsin ties. http://www.jsonline.com/story/life/food/2016/12/13/interfaith-families-combine-christmas-hanukkah-food-traditions/95008382/

Here is some of what Wikipedia has reported about it:

Hanukkah (pronounced HAH-nə-kə ; Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה, Tiberian: Ḥănukkāh, usually spelled חנוכה, pronounced [χanuˈka] in Modern Hebrew; a transliteration also romanized as Chanukah, Chanukkah or Chanuka), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.

Hanukkah is not a biblical holiday, but mainly started out as a national holiday. Jesus, Himself, seemed to possibly observe it, and it is referred to as the Feast of the Dedication in the New Testament (John 10:22-23). But His observation is not the same as how many Jews now keep it.

That said, because of the terrorist incident in Australia yesterday (see Jews murdered in Australia at Hanukkah festival; Rhode Island terror suspect apprehended), there are even more concerns than usual for the safety of Jews celebrating Hanukkah:

Hanukkah Security Ramped Up Across West After Sydney Terror Attack Shocks World

December 15, 2025

Major cities across the Western world are ramping up security around Hanukkah events after a terrorist attack killed 16 people and wounded 38 at a Jewish celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach over the weekend. The attack was one of the deadliest terror incidents in Australia in decades and came just days after a Trump administration official warned that the Biden-Harris regime had allowed 18,000 “known and suspected terrorists” into the U.S.

Taken together, from the Bondi Beach terror attack to Christmas market attacks in Europe, and even the Afghan national who killed one U.S. National Guard member and seriously wounded another just blocks from the White House last month, what is unfolding across the West is the dire consequence of nation-killing open border policies (promoted by Democrats) backfiring into colossal security failures.

Authorities in Berlin, London, New York, Warsaw, and across France announced heightened police presence at synagogues, public menorah lightings, and Jewish institutions.

Berlin intensified security at the Brandenburg Gate menorah lighting, New York deployed additional protection citywide, Warsaw increased armed guards at its main synagogue, and France ordered reinforced security at Jewish sites through this week and into next.

“We have long planned comprehensive security for tonight’s Hanukkah event at the Brandenburg Gate — in light of the events in Sydney, we will further intensify our measures and maintain a strong police presence there,” a spokesperson said on X. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/hanukkah-security-ramped-across-west-after-sydney-terror-attack-shocks-world

Taking additional security steps is not a surprise.

But also, sadly, not new.

The closest Jewish synagogue to here has an entrance way that looks designed to slow down potential terrorists.

The Jewish lawyer that works to protect the rights of our disabled son told me long ago that she and many other Jews in Southern California live in somewhat protected areas.

But as the recent murders show, there is not always strength in numbers–terrorists see opportunities.

Many want Jews gone and many (particularly in the US media and academia) also want Christians gone.

There was a poem many years ago by Martin Niemöller:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

It is not just physical, ethnic Jews that are at risk–spiritual ones are as well (cf. Romans 2:28-29; John 15:20; see also The Spanish Inquisition and Early Protestant Persecutions).

Throughout history, true Christians have sometimes been called “Jews” and have been subject to persecution supposedly directed towards Jews. True Christians also had to suffer through the so-called Inquisition (see The Spanish Inquisition), which utilized torture against those that had Church of God beliefs–and more is expected in the future (see Persecutions by Church and State). Protestant leaders, including Martin Luther, have also promoted antisemitism and Church of God persecution (see The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong) as have various ones who were Eastern Orthodox (see John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople and Antisemite).

Real Christians have always been on the side of being persecuted and have never been on the side of the persecutors. And this will be true again in the future.

Jesus warned:

21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes (Matthew 10:21-23).

9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. (Matthew 24:9).

People should not be antisemitic. People should not hate others.

Many who claim Christ hold anti-Semitic views, and some take direct anti-Semitic actions.

Sadly, we will see persecution greatly increase before Jesus returns (cf. Daniel 7:25; 11:30-35; see also Persecutions by Church and State)–this will affect Philadelphian Christians.

All the faithful will be subject to persecution and being betrayed by professing believers (Matthew 24:9-13, Mark 13:12-13; Luke 21:16-18; Daniel 11:32-35).

The underlying antisemitism in Europe and throughout the world will allow for this, especially when the time comes when the Beast’s government mandates it (Revelation 13:15-17).

Jews are persecuted because of the land of Israel, keeping the Sabbath, not keeping various pagan-derived holidays, for being successful, for being educated, for being separatists, and for not eating biblical unclean meats.

Real Christians also will be as well.

Pray, as Jesus said, for God;s Kingdom to come (Matthew 6:10).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Hanukkah: Jewish Christmas and Hidden Key to Prophecy? Originally a Jewish national holiday, has Hanukkah morphed into a Jewish Christmas? Does it hold hidden secrets to prophecy? Here is a related video: Hanukkah, Tradition, and Prophecy.
Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied? What does the Bible teach? Which nations may be affected? Here is a link to a related sermon: Terrorism, Christianity, and Islam. Here is a shorter video: Afghanis: Potential terrorists?
God’s Grace is For All Is being Jewish a hindrance to salvation? What about not being a descendant of Israel? What does the Bible really teach? Here is a link to a related sermon titled Race and Grace; Do you view race as God does? Watch also Mystery of Race.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some persecutions that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied persecutions to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There are also two video sermons you can watch: Cancel Culture and Christian Persecution and The Coming Persecution of the Church. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado.
The Spanish Inquisition and Early Protestant Persecutions Was the Church of Rome really responsible for this? What happened? A video of related interest is titled: The Past and Future Inquisition.
John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople and Anti-Semite This late fourth/early fifth century Bishop of Constantinople is considered to be a ‘saint’ and ‘doctor’ by the Church of Rome, Church of England, and the Eastern Orthodox, but he did not teach Christ’s love.
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the genuine Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example? Here is a related sermon video: Martin Luther and Herbert Armstrong: Reformers with Differences.