Hanukkah light serves as justice, humanity in today’s world
By Farhad Aframian
Iranian Jewish lawyer and journalist
As a lawyer and journalist with two decades of professional experience, I have consistently sought to understand identity not as a fixed or static phenomenon, but as something shaped at the intersection of lived experience, legal and ethical responsibility, and historical context. For me, Hanukkah is far more than a traditional ritual. It represents a miracle that reveals the power of preserving light and justice under the most difficult conditions, and it reminds us that every individual, within their professional, social, and legal sphere, can take small yet meaningful steps toward the promotion of justice. This article is written with the aim of drawing the attention of human rights advocates and globally concerned readers to the importance of justice and the imperative to resist violence.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Dedication or the Festival of Light, commemorates the historical rededication of the Holy Temple and the symbolic triumph of light over darkness. The miraculous continuity of a small flame in a modest menorah became, over time, a powerful symbol of hope, spiritual resilience, and the preservation of cultural identity across generations. In Jewish tradition, this celebration is associated with purity and illumination, and more than anything else, it embodies the safeguarding of truth and human dignity against the turbulence of history. This ritual is not rooted in narratives of conquest or domination, but in the miracle of endurance, a light that teaches us that even a small flame of justice, when sustained with sincerity and integrity, can transcend material calculations and pierce the darkness.
The miracle of Hanukkah, the survival of a single flame in a time of hardship, stands as a symbol of resilience grounded not in force or domination, but in commitment to reason, ethics, and the rule of law. This light reminds us that justice and ethical–legal responsibility, whether at the individual, social, or international level, require constant care. Neglecting these principles risks weakening the rule of law, expanding inequality, and undermining the fundamental rights of human beings. Within this framework, the historical experience of Iranian Jews can be understood as part of Iran’s, and the contemporary world’s, moral and civic capital. This experience reflects sustained civic participation, the preservation of cultural institutions, and active engagement in urban and economic life. From the perspective of social rights and historical analysis, it demonstrates how a community can endure without resorting to violence, relying instead on law and ethical commitment. This small yet influential community, with a history spanning several millennia, stands as a living example of the possibility of coexistence and cultural cooperation.
Hanukkah is not only a narrative of liberation from imposed constraints; it is also a legacy that places an added ethical and legal responsibility on today’s Jewish generations. A community shaped by historical memories of violence and discrimination bears a particular duty to ensure that this spiritual heritage and collective memory of suffering are never transformed into a justification for the violation of others’ rights. Jewish identity must not become an excuse for injustice; rather, it should serve as a guiding principle for unwavering commitment to justice and respect for the rights of all human beings. Such an approach not only prevents the reproduction of cycles of injustice, but also protects faith and tradition from being reduced to instruments of inhumane objectives.
This idea finds further expression in the symbolic convergence of Hanukkah with Yalda Night and Christmas, traditions that, each in their own language and symbolism, speak to humanity’s endurance in the face of darkness. Yalda, rooted in ancient Iranian culture, marks the passage through the longest night of the year and affirms belief in the birth of light at life’s darkest moments. Christmas signifies renewal, hope, and peace. Hanukkah recalls the perseverance of a light that refuses to be extinguished. What unites these traditions, all celebrated around the winter solstice, is a shared belief that light is the product of ethical conduct, inner resilience, and human responsibility. This message offers clear guidance to all who seek a world free from violence and grounded in respect for human rights.
When we speak of violence and the erosion of justice, it is essential to consider all its forms, from the overt violence of war to economic pressure, legal restrictions, or imposed peace arrangements that lack a foundation in dialogue and fairness. The repetition of these rituals reminds us that light and justice endure only when rooted in human dignity and the protection of rights. Genuine security and peace, whether at the individual, social, or international level, are not achieved through coercion or the denial of agency, but through mutual respect, trust-building, respect for rights, and dialogue. Even in the most difficult circumstances, it remains possible to chart a path guided by reason, human dignity, and the rule of law, a path that prevents the reproduction of new cycles of violence.
It is equally important, in the current context, not to remain indifferent to international sanctions imposed on Iran. According to official reports by the United Nations and human rights bodies such as the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR), these sanctions have resulted in serious restrictions on people’s access to essential goods, healthcare services, and economic opportunities. Such pressures have had a direct impact on the quality of life of ordinary citizens and clearly undermine the principles of social justice and economic and social human rights. The Iranian Jewish community, as part of the broader society, has also been affected by these constraints, an experience that offers a tangible example of how sanctions policies impact minorities and underscores the necessity of upholding human rights and justice at both national and international levels. These legal findings highlight the importance of adherence to justice and human dignity in the face of pressure and sanctions, and demonstrate that any political or economic measure that restricts people’s rights carries long-term consequences for social stability and the prospects for peace.
For me, Hanukkah today is not merely a commemoration of the past, but an opportunity to reconsider our legal and ethical responsibilities in the present. Yalda, Hanukkah, and Christmas remind us that lasting peace is not achieved through pressure or imposition, but through human dignity, the protection of rights, and dialogue. In a world where silence can reproduce cycles of violence, lighting these candles becomes a symbol of commitment to awareness and responsibility. It is hoped that individuals, societies, and even the wider world may find a new path, one grounded in justice, ethics, and humanity, and capable of creating shared meaning for all people, regardless of identity or geography. It is a legacy that can inspire future generations more deeply than ever before.