12/14/2025, 14:15

Dear Friends:

Tonight is the first night of Chanukah -- a celebration of Jewish resistance to oppression by the Greco-Syrian rulers and for our right to observe our religion, as we see fit.

And, we are mourning the tragic deaths of 11 Jews at what was supposed to be a community Chanukah menorah lighting in Australia. The Rabbi leader was among the dead.

We must pray for the victims and hope the surviving shooter of the two is brought to justice in Australia, and the Australian weak government starts standing up to Islamic extremists, which they are not doing.

Many folks get dystopic and negative and fearful at these times But as a longtime elected leader in Northern Virginia,, I will tell you that no matter how difficult or challenging the cause, the worst thing you can do is give up hope.

We must remain vigilant - and involved. We each have an obligation to look after every Jew -- no matter his or her level of observance, skin color, sexual orientation or sex, or political viewpoint.

Remember what Rabbi Hillel wrote some 2000 years ago: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” The teaching presents a hierarchy of responsibility, in which our commitment to ourselves needs to be primary."

I just learned Friday that the national organization, EndJewHatred.com, has accepted me to be their DC, Maryland and Virginia chapter leader -- and in addition to combatting antisemitism in the Fairfax County VA there is a lot to combat in the DMV

So, we need your help.

IF YOU LIVE IN DC MD OR VIRGINIA - please send me your email to kreid@fdainfo.com and phone and i will keep this in TOTAL CONFIDENCE. I am a volunteer, not selling anything. But OpenPetition did not provide emails to me.

You also can text your email to me at 703 779 8777

Our letter to FCPS has been submitted, and we are working with officials to get action to protect our school kids, and Jewish teachers and staff.

But we can accept more signatures from Virginia residents ONLY at www.openpetition.org/us/petition/online/tell-fairfax-county-public-schools-to-stop-antisemitism-in-student-clubs-classrooms

Thanks, Happy Chanukah and -- Am Israel Chai

Ken Reid
#EndJewHatred
kreid@fdainfo.com
703 779 8777