Dispel The Darkness. Shine A Light

By Faye Hedrick Director, Young Professionals & Families

We’re excited to share that Northeast Florida has been awarded one of this year’s microgrants with Shine A Light - a platform for organizations, companies, institutions, and individuals to unite in shining a light on antisemitism in all its modern forms. Drawing inspiration from the story of Hanukkah, the Shine A Light initiative is fueled by an unprecedented coalition of Jewish and non-Jewish organizations from across the United States and Canada who have joined together to speak up about antisemitism and send a message that one single light can dispel darkness. The Jewish Community Alliance and the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida are proud to be a small part of a great solution in dispelling that darkness. This year’s Shine A Light campaign takes place during the entire month of December, with the focus around the time of Hanukkah. One of the ways Northeast Florida will help shine a light on antisemitism is during Hanukkah & Hockey Night - a partnership event with all of your local Jewish partner agencies, schools, synagogues, and the Jacksonville Icemen, at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. During the Jacksonville Icemen’s home game on December 21, against the Savannah Ghost Pirates, volunteers will be passing out flashlights as fans enter the arena. At a special point during the game, fans will be asked to light up the arena and help to shine a light on antisemitism by igniting their own lights. In addition, Jewish community clergy and leaders will be invited to light the Hanukkah candles in honor of the fourth night of Hanukkah.

Please join us for this memorable evening, with our Jewish and non-Jewish community, where we will stand in solidarity. Shine A Light comprises a coalition of 65 Jewish and non-Jewish organizations, more than 60 corporations and 15 U.S. State Governors who are committed to addressing rising antisemitism. Each and every one of us has a role to play in getting this message against hate out. Together, we will dispel the darkness.

If you have any questions, or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Faye Hedrick, at fayeh@ jewishjacksonville.org. To purchase tickets for a night of Hanukkah & Hockey, scan the QR code in the flyer below. For ticketing inquiries, contact Trent Blair via text or call (904) 891-3073.