Hanukkah has become a 'frightening time' for many Jews in a polarized U.S.

https://www.npr.org/2022/12/23/ [login to see] /hanukkah-has-become-a-frightening-time-for-many-jews-in-a-polarized-u-s
Every Hanukkah, Beth Richman sets up her electric menorah in the kitchen window of her Portland, Ore., home.

"It's very '70s, and it's kind of faux silver," Richman says, laughing. "It's plastic and it has these blue- and white-tipped light bulbs."

Give the candles a twist and they light up. It's kitschy and sweet, and fills the window with light.

But in recent years, this public display has felt different.

"The Proud Boys marched through this neighborhood," Richman says quietly. "And so having the menorah does feel riskier, absolutely. And this year, with what's happening on the global stage with Twitter deregulating, it's frightening. It's a frightening time."

Richman is a clinical social worker in private practice and says that in professional circles her colleagues are noting the stress and anxiety Jewish clients are carrying this year.

Jacob Ari Labendz directs the Gross Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Ramapo College. He says this fear is widespread.