Full Breakdown
Cory Booker and Zohran Mamdani Respond to Antisemitism Amid Hanukkah Celebrations
12/19/2025, 1:49:23 PM
Cory Booker Lights Hanukkah Candles for the First Time
On December 15, 2025, Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) lit Hanukkah candles at home for the first time, coinciding with a tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of 15 Jews at Bondi Beach in Australia. Booker, who is black and not Jewish, married Alexis Lewis, who has a Jewish mother, in an interfaith ceremony on November 29. The couple agreed to incorporate Jewish traditions into their household, including lighting the menorah during Hanukkah. Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Booker stated, “It was very meaningful, very emotional... to light them with her.”
The Impact of Antisemitism on Personal Traditions
In light of the recent surge in antisemitism, particularly following the Hamas-led attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, Booker expressed that the meaning of Hanukkah has become more profound for him. He emphasized the urgency of combating antisemitism, stating, “There is no bystander in hate. You’ve got to be an activist, or in many ways you become complicit.” His marriage to a Jewish woman has deepened his commitment to this cause, making it more personal. Booker has been studying Torah and continues to learn from Rabbi Baruch Shalom Davidson, indicating a growing connection to Jewish traditions.
Zohran Mamdani's Visit to the Ohel
In a related response to the Bondi Beach tragedy, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani visited the Ohel, the gravesite of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement’s late leader, on December 16, 2025. Mamdani called the Bondi Beach attack a “vile act of antisemitic terror” and expressed his condolences to the victims and the Jewish community. His visit to the Ohel, a site of significance for many Jews, was a gesture of solidarity in the wake of the violence.
Political Context and Community Responses
Mamdani's visit follows a trend of political figures, including President Donald Trump and other notable leaders, making pilgrimages to the Ohel, particularly after significant antisemitic incidents. The site attracts approximately one million visitors annually, serving as a place of reflection and prayer for both Jews and non-Jews. In response to the Bondi Beach attack, Chabad officials and Jewish leaders are intensifying efforts to celebrate Hanukkah publicly, with increased attendance at menorah lightings across New York City.
Criticism & Opposition
While Mamdani's visit to the Ohel has been positively received by some, it also comes amid skepticism from certain Jewish voters due to his previous opposition to Israel. His outreach efforts, including attending events with Orthodox Jewish communities, aim to bridge gaps and foster connections.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have to say it was very moving, very emotional to me to light the candles.” — Cory Booker, U.S. Senator
- “Look, the fight against antisemitism for me has always been a fundamental urgency to my life because of the infectiousness of hate,” — Cory Booker, U.S. Senator
- “I mourn those who were murdered and will be keeping their families, the Jewish community, and the Chabad movement in my prayers,” — Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor-Elect
- “But we all know that when light and darkness meet, light has the power to transform.” — Unknown
This convergence of personal and political responses highlights the ongoing struggle against antisemitism and the importance of community solidarity during challenging times.
