Why People Who Don't Celebrate Hanukkah Are Displaying Menorahs in Their Window: ‘We Will Not Hide'

Thousands are coming together to support the Jewish people as they attempt to celebrate the holiday season amid rising antisemitism. 

The idea began when 6-year-old Jack told his dad Adam Kulbersh that he wanted to celebrate Hanukkah with decorations this year. “I wasn't sure that I felt comfortable doing it this year. The rise in antisemitism is historic,” Kulbersh, a Jewish resident of Los Angeles, told Good Morning America. 

When discussing his concerns with a non-Jewish friend, Jennifer Marshall, her response was one of support: “We’re not Jewish, but I’m going to put a menorah in our window in solidarity with you, in the hopes that it helps you put a menorah in yours.”

His friend’s words motivated Kulbersh to start Project Menorah, a grassroots movement encouraging Jewish allies to place menorahs in their windows, along with their other holiday decorations, in an effort to support the Jewish community. 

“This Hanukkah, many Jews must reconcile their fear of violence with the very public, centuries-old tradition of placing menorahs in their windows during the holiday,” the project’s website says. “Jewish families are feeling isolated and scared. And our friends are asking how they can help.”

By placing menorahs in their windows, Kulbersh explains, allies will show that their home is a safe space. 

The threats towards Jewish people in America have risen as the war between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas continues, experts say. According to the Anti-Defimation League Center on Extremism, since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, there has been a nearly 400% year-over-year increase in reported antisemitic incidents across the U.S.

For many, putting a menorah in their window, Kulbersh says, will be “the first time many people have made a public statement against hate.” 

“My hope is that now that they’ve done it once, it will be easier for them to speak out the next time they see or hear something,” Kulbersh says. “And not just for Jewish people, for anyone.”

Jewish Federations of North America President and CEO Eric Fingerhut also spoke to the importance of displaying Hanukkah decorations this year. “Publicly displaying Hanukkah lights is an important part of the holiday tradition, and throughout our history, our community has had to balance whether to uphold that tradition in times of danger and adversity,” Fingerhurt says in a quote to ABC News. “We are hearing many Jews say that it's particularly important to proudly display their menorahs and bring more light into this dark time.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“Jewish parents around the world are holding our children closer right now. But I also want to teach my son that while we may be afraid, we will not hide,” Kulbersh explains. “We will stand up, we will put our menorah in the window, and we will shine our light to the world.”