In response to an anti-Semitic attack on the seventh night of Hanukkah, Temple Israel hosted an event called Minnesota: No Hate. No Fear. Over 1,400 attended the event. Sophomore Ella Roether said she attended the gathering to stand up against anti-Semitism. 

“A bunch of different people spoke and were encouraging the Jewish community to speak up and stand in solidarity because of the events in New York and the rise of anti-Semitism,” Roether said. “The governor, lieutenant governor and senators were there and a bunch of different clergy from all different regions were there.” 

According to junior Mira Malka, the event brought people from different cultures to unite as one.

“We all came together to not only talk about the anti-Semitism that has been happening around the U.S., but just to come together as one,” Malka said. 

Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, said it’s necessary to reassure the community about the ongoing events happening all over the world.

“It’s important to inspire and encourage the community. These have been difficult days due to the incident of violent anti-Semitism, particularly out east but throughout the world,” Hunegs said. “It’s important for our community that we unite at this time and see all the wonderful friends and supporters who will speak tonight.”

According to Rabbi Marcia Zimnerman, it’s crucial for the communtiy to come together and use their voices against anti-Semitism.

“Coming together in unity and internally in the Jewish community is really wonderful because we have people from all different movements,” Zimnerman said. “We also are connected with allies, our neighbors, our friends, our other religious community.”

According to Roether, she is grateful to be a part of a strong support group and believes others should try to support those facing hate.

“People should know that you don’t have to be Jewish to stand up for the Jewish community. You don’t have to be a specific religion just to stand up for that religion and there’s always more you can do to help and stand up for other people,” Roether said. 

Zimnerman said listening to the speakers will help navigate people through these rises in anti-Semitism. 

“Gov. Walz is going to be speaking to our community and to the wider community about anti-Semitism. The state of Minnesota is going to counteract the hate and a call to action for us to be able to work to make this world a better place,” Zimnerman said. 

Malka said uniting people will help educate them on different cultures, religions and faiths. 

“We should all come together to help each other and be there for each other when someone is in need of help and learn about people’s religions and cultures,” Malka said.

According to Hunegs, assuring the community’s safety and becoming more friendly to others is a top priority. 

“Inspire people to volunteer and help reassure them the community has many friends. That security is front of mind for those of us responsible for the community security and also it’s important to help other communities with their security,” Hunegs said.