Kansas City Celebrates Hanukkah Amid Rise In Hate & Israel At War

This year the shadow of international conflict confronts a local faith community.

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"This season, the Festival of Lights is happening as the Israel-Hamas war continues to rage on. It also comes two months after the October 7 attacks in Israel that killed at least 1,200 people. The Associated Press estimates 16,200 Palestinians have been killed so far as a result of the conflict.

"Because of the holiday's significance and popularity, Jewish communities all over the country are continuing to honor the occasion and acknowledge the meaning the festival holds."

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As Kansas City's Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah, this year feels different

As Kansas City's Jewish community marks the first night of Hanukkah on Thursday. But that community is feeling the dark cloud of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, along with an increase in incidents of antisemitic acts and rhetoric.

'Concerned and afraid': Jews celebrate Hanukkah amid rise in hate

Hanukkah has taken on a new meaning this year for many in the Jewish community after Israel was attacked by terrorist group Hamas on Oct. 7.

Jews mark first night of Hanukkah as Israel-Hamas war hits two-month mark

Jews in Tel Aviv took part in a candle lighting ceremony in the heart of the city while solemnly marking two-months since the start of the war with Hamas. One hundred and thirty eight candles were lit in "hostage square" for each person being held by Hamas.

Shots fired outside upstate New York synagogue on first night of Hanukkah

A man on Thursday opened fire outside an Albany, New York, synagogue on the first night of Hanukkah.

'You can have joy and sorrow simultaneously': Hanukkah celebrations begin amid violence overseas

The first night of Hanukkah coincides with the two-month mark of the deadly Hamas attack on Israel.

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