Nebraska Jewish community prays for peace in Israel at Capitol Menorah lighting

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – At a Menorah lighting ceremony in the Capitol on Tuesday, Gov. Pillen joined the Chabad of Nebraska in celebrating Hanukkah.

Tuesday night is the sixth night of Hanukkah, and Rabbi Mendel Katzman says it’s more important than ever to shine a light in the darkness.

He said as the war between Israel and Hamas continues, it’s begun to affect Jewish communities here in the U.S.

“You’re talking about a situation where the worst atrocities have been executed by people in our time,” Katzman said. “It’s very hard to believe that in 2023 we would live to see that.”

Katzman said right now their members are focusing on keeping their faith and remaining hopeful.

He also said unfortunately, the collateral damage of war leaves many innocent people affected.

“Our heart goes out for both sides, to the victims,” Katzman said. “Not for the perpetrators.”

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He added that it can be difficult to watch it all happen from so far away.

But the Chabad’s students and even some of Katzman’s own children are in Israel right now volunteering.

The group is also collecting clothes, toys and money to send over, as well as praying for a peaceful resolution.

“That’s why the story of Hanukkah is one that helps us understand that time and distance is not a division,” Katzman said. “It’s really amazing how people are coming together for one another from all over the world, despite all the challenges.”

He said people need to learn more about the conflict and realize that everyone is part of the solution.

“It begins with a level of prayer, thinking about the innocent and the goodness,” Katzman said. “And just creating those positive vibes. Those positive vibes are so powerful we often underestimate it.”