I wanted to say “thank you” to the Town of Fountain Hills for continuing support for the public lighting of the town Hanukkiah this year and their support for the local Jewish community.

It’s hard to believe that in 2023 so many of my friends and family told me they were nervous about displaying any decorations on their homes this year. Their fear of retaliation, vandalism or worse was palpable. It’s hard to describe how so many of us are feeling. We are seeing and feeling what we only heard growing up as children; our great-grandparents and grandparents fleeing pogroms in Russia or our parents fleeing the Holocaust or worse; telling their survivor stories.

The public support was important, especially when so many cities across our country canceled similar displays of Chanukah for the first time in decades. Because of this, I did without hesitation put our Hanukkiah in the window and strung our blue and white lights outside our home to join our neighbors in the beauty of the season. Never once did I hesitate to do so.

I want to also thank Rabbi Mendy Lipskier and his wife Tzipi of Chabad of Fountain Hills for their strength of faith and leadership, especially during this time. Their courage to stand up for us and bring the light of Chanukah into our lives, into our town and into our community was the beacon of hope we all needed.

I wanted to also thank the Maricopa County Sheriffs’ Office for attending the lighting with their obvious presence. Unfortunately, as Jews, we have become accustomed to armed security at our prayer services and events. Your presence was truly appreciated.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.