Shine A Light on Antisemitism

Together We Can Dispel the Darkness

Just One Light

As part of Shine A Light on Antisemitism, a national initiative during Chanukah that harnesses a communal expression of solidarity to address rising antisemitism and amplify our efforts together, we wrote a song. During Chanukah 2021, we invited our Madison Jewish organizations, synagogues, partners, and community members to join us for a songwriting workshop on Zoom led by the band Distant Cousins. We collaborated and tapped into our creativity to write the lyrics for our song, "Just One Light." Throughout the year, we recorded the song and produced the video - debuting during Chanukah 2022. "Just One Light," written and performed by our Jewish Madison community, brings us together in a show of unity and strength to raise awareness, educate, and combat antisemitism through a song - celebrating and telling our local story.

 One single light can dispel darkness.

Thank you to The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) for funding this project with a very generous grant.

MP3

Listen to "Just One Light" by Jewish Federation of Madison and Distant Cousins. You can also download it and add it to your playlist.

Lyrics

Want to read the lyrics for "Just One Light," and sing along?
See Lyrics >

American Jews

have experienced hatred last year. (FBI's 2020 Hate Crime Statistics)

Antisemitism is a sign of an intolerant society. By ignoring it, we grant society a broader license to hate.

What is Antisemitism?

Antisemitism is the hatred of Jews. It targets Jews, individually and collectively, and can include the State of Israel. Antisemitism exists in many forms, from stereotyping to scapegoating to violence, to the desired eradication of the Jewish people. Over time, it has been adapted to link Jews to a host of societal ills. (Source: Shine A Light)

of all religious bias crimes targeted Jews

and yet, Jews are only 2% of the population. (AJC - The State of Antisemitism in America 2021)

Report an Antisemitic Incident

If you have experienced or witnessed antisemitic harassment or vandalism in the Madison area community, please report it using our online incident form.
To Report >

Resources & To Learn More

Shine A Light is a purpose-driven convening platform for organizations, companies, institutions, and individuals to unite in shining a light on antisemitism in all its modern forms. The Shine A Light website offers a wide collection of resource materials for educating and combating antisemitism, including FAQs, lesson plans, videos, articles, webinars, and podcasts. Additionally, there are resources for creating a safe and inclusive work environment for all, listings for speakers, events, and how you can get involved.
Visit Website >

ADL fights all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism, and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. ADL's website offers a comprehensive range of resources, including research and analysis, a hate symbol database, a glossary of extremism, tools for tracking hate, and how to help your schools, communities, and society be more respectful, inclusive, and equitable. You can also learn how to take action through offered workshops, webinars, events, advocacy, and reporting.
Visit Website >