UPPER EAST SIDE — Joseph Borgen has had the same menorah since he built it in kindergarten. He looks forward to the first day of Hanukkah every year, when he can place it in his front window for all those who pass by his apartment to see.
Dec. 7 marked the start of the first Hanukkah since the war began between Hamas and Israel. In recent weeks, Borgen, 31, has been told by some fellow members of the Jewish community that they don’t want to put their menorahs on display during the holiday, for fear doing so could invite an antisemitic attack.
But Borgen disagrees, and is imploring those who fear such attacks to continue the tradition of placing menorahs in their windows and “publicizing the miracle” of their beliefs.
“I get it [that they’re fearful], but just remember that what we are going through pales in comparison to what’s going on in Israel,” he said.
For Borgen, displaying his menorah is not an option, even in the face of a recent surge in antisemitism — and even though two years ago, he was a victim of a hate crime himself.
On May 20, 2021, Borgen was assaulted on a street near Times Square while on his way to a pro-Israel rally being held during the last Israel-Hamas conflict. He said he was wearing a yarmulke, and was attacked and beaten up by a gang of five-to-10 people who punched, kicked, pepper-sprayed, and cursed him. He ended up in Bellevue Hospital, where he was treated for a broken wrist.
Last month, a Staten Island man was sentenced to seven years for the attack, and earlier this year two others pleaded guilty, and received lesser sentences.
Despite the emotional trauma he endures even now, Borgen says, “I don’t want what happened that day to change how I live my life. I kind of want to just proceed as normal.”
In New York City, there was a 32% increase in hate crimes toward the Jewish community in November compared to last year, according to an NYPD monthly report. In October, the increase was 214%.
A new grassroots movement, Project Menorah, is echoing Borgen’s sentiments about faith expression. They are encouraging non-Jews to place a menorah along with other holiday decorations in their windows or on their front lawns this December to show support for the Jewish community.
“Historically, whenever Jews have been threatened, there have always been non-Jewish helpers who stood up to hate. We are asking you to be those helpers today,” its website states.
After Borgen stood above his menorah with his Torah on Dec. 7, saying the traditional blessings before lighting the Shammash of the season, he reiterated that any form of support is greatly appreciated, especially as he feels there is a lack of reaction from those in power.
“When we don’t see people standing up for us and defending us, that’s what really scares me. If no one is helping us, are we on our own again?”