Portland Jews Light Giant Menorah on Burnside Bridge to Support Palestine

Portland, Oregon – In a powerful show of solidarity with the Palestinian people, Portland Jews have taken to the streets to rekindle their commitment to a liberated Palestine. Led by the organization Jewish Voice for Peace, hundreds of activists have shut down eight bridges for eight nights of Hanukkah, demanding a permanent ceasefire in the region.

The centerpiece of this inspiring demonstration is a giant menorah, towering over the Burnside Bridge. The menorah, a symbol of light and hope, serves as a reminder of the shared struggle for justice and freedom. As the flames flicker, so does the determination of those fighting for a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Jewish community in Portland has a long history of advocating for peace and justice in Palestine. Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), a national organization with a local chapter in Portland, has been at the forefront of this movement. JVP aims to challenge the status quo and promote an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

By organizing the shutdown of eight bridges, one for each night of Hanukkah, JVP and their allies aim to draw attention to the ongoing violence and oppression faced by Palestinians. The demonstration also calls for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, urging both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue and work towards a just and lasting solution.

The decision to use Hanukkah as a platform for this protest is deeply symbolic. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days. This miracle is seen by many as a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

During the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jewish families light a menorah, adding one candle each night. By lighting a giant menorah on the Burnside Bridge, Portland Jews are not only symbolically connecting their struggle for justice with the ancient holiday but also shedding light on the plight of the Palestinian people.

The demonstration on the Burnside Bridge has garnered significant attention both locally and nationally. Social media platforms have been flooded with images and videos of the giant menorah, serving as a powerful visual representation of the movement for Palestinian freedom.

Support for the Portland Jews’ cause has poured in from various communities, including other religious groups, activists, and concerned citizens. The shutdown of the bridges has sparked conversations and debates about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, bringing the issue to the forefront of public consciousness.

As the giant menorah continues to burn each night, it serves as a beacon of hope for a future where Palestinians and Israelis can coexist in peace and justice. The commitment shown by the Portland Jewish community and their allies demonstrates the power of unity and collective action in the pursuit of a more just world.

As the lights of the menorah illuminate the Burnside Bridge, the message is clear – it is time for all people of conscience to stand up and demand an end to the violence and oppression in Palestine. The giant menorah serves as a reminder that the struggle for justice is ongoing, and the fight for a liberated Palestine continues.

For more information about the demonstration and the ongoing work of Jewish Voice for Peace, visit their Twitter page @jvp_pdx.

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BREAKING: Portland Jews are taking over the Burnside Bridge with a giant menorah to rekindle their commitment to a liberated Palestine.@jvp_pdx joins hundreds fighting for Palestinian freedom as they shut down 8 bridges for 8 nights of Hanukkah to demand a permanent ceasefire! pic.twitter.com/CZghlaMWAL

— Jewish Voice for Peace (@jvplive) December 14, 2023

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@jvplive said BREAKING: Portland Jews are taking over the Burnside Bridge with a giant menorah to rekindle their commitment to a liberated Palestine. @jvp_pdx joins hundreds fighting for Palestinian freedom as they shut down 8 bridges for 8 nights of Hanukkah to demand a permanent ceasefire!

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