It’s Time: For Our Light to Shine
For over two millennia, Chanukah has carried the timeless message that light can dispel even the deepest darkness.
On the evening of January 1, 2025, under the soft glow of Hyde Park’s evening lights, I had the honour of addressing members of the Sydney community during the final night of Chanukah at a public event. Hosted by Rabbi Danny Yaffe, Rebbetzin Sara-Tova Yaffe, and CBD Chabad, this event was a profound reminder of the resilience of the Jewish people and the enduring relevance of Chanukah’s message for all Australians.
The Significance of Chanukah
Chanukah, the Jewish “Festival of Lights,” commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE. Against the odds, the Maccabees, a small band of Jewish fighters, triumphed over the Seleucid Empire, reclaiming their right to religious freedom. The miracle of the menorah, where a day’s supply of oil burned for eight days, symbolises the enduring power of faith and resilience.
For over two millennia, Chanukah has carried the timeless message that light can dispel even the deepest darkness. It reminds us that courage and unity are vital in overcoming adversity. For Australians, this message resonates strongly, urging us to combat hatred and division with hope and determination.
Rally of Light – A Call to Action
The following is the full text of my speech, as delivered that night:
Good evening, my dear friends—esteemed members of the Sydney Jewish community—distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
My name is Michael Scott. For thirty years, I served as a soldier in the Australian Army. Last year, I founded the 2023 Foundation, a nascent global harm-minimisation charity dedicated to combatting antisemitism and fostering peaceful coexistence. I am not Jewish, but in these troubled times, I may as well be, because I am with you.
It is such an honour to be here today. We have so much in common. Like you, I am a proud Australian. I am a patriot, a husband, and a father. Like you, I cherish the values that make our nation great: fairness, tolerance, and a commitment to a brighter future.
But tonight, I stand before you not just as a former soldier or the leader of a foundation—I stand here as an Australian, shoulder to shoulder with you, determined to dispel the darkness of hatred and division that threatens the values we hold dear.
Tonight, on this final evening of Chanukah, we gather under the banner of light—a light that has burned in the Jewish soul for over 2,000 years and that now calls on all of us, regardless of our faith, to come together as Australians to stand against darkness.
The Lessons of Chanukah. Chanukah is a celebration of miracles, courage, and enduring faith. It reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness, of a small band of the faithful standing against a mighty force of oppression.
It teaches us that even when the odds seem insurmountable, the flicker of a single flame can ignite a blaze of hope.
But Chanukah is more than a commemoration of past miracles; it is a call to action. The menorah reminds us of our duty to spread light, one candle at a time, until the entire world is illuminated. Tonight, we kindle the final and brightest light of Chanukah—a symbol of hope, unity, and resilience.
Former Prime Minister John Howard once said, “The values we share as Australians—respect for each other and the celebration of difference—must never be taken for granted. They are the foundations of our strength.” Chanukah challenges us to uphold these values, not just in words but in action.
The Darkness We Face. In recent years, we have witnessed a troubling resurgence of antisemitism—not just overseas, but here in Australia. This darkness manifests in vile words, insidious stereotypes, and even acts of violence. But antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem; it is a symptom of a deeper illness that threatens the fabric of our society.
Where there is hatred for one group, hatred for others soon follows. Racism, bigotry, and division are all intertwined. Combatting antisemitism, then, is not just a Jewish imperative—it is an Australian imperative.
Our country was born 124 years ago, on January 1, 1901, when six colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia through Federation. This historic day was not just about political unity; it was about forging a national identity rooted in shared values. Those values—fairness, inclusion, and a belief in the dignity of every individual—remain our greatest strength. Let us honour the spirit of Federation by defending those values against hatred and division.
As General Sir Peter Cosgrove so aptly put it, “A society is judged not by how it treats its strongest, but by how it supports its most vulnerable.”
Let us take this lesson to heart and stand together against the forces that seek to divide us.
It’s Time to Shine Our Light. Chanukah teaches us that a little light dispels much darkness. And while we may feel overwhelmed by the challenges before us, the lesson of the menorah is clear: each of us has a light to share. Each of us can be a source of hope.
Tonight, as we gather in Hyde Park—where we have seen and heard darkness and ignorance so often this past year—let this moment stir and inspire us to action. Just as the Maccabees stood firm against oppression, so too must we stand against antisemitism, against division, and against hate. The Maccabees had agency; we do too!
This is not a task for one group or one community. It is a shared responsibility. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists—all Australians must unite to defend our values of tolerance, respect, and justice. If values are not defended, they are not only lost but replaced by a void where division and oppression thrive. We live in Orwellian times; this is an Orwellian future we must recognise and resist with unwavering resolve.
Practical Steps Forward. To truly spread light, we must pair our words with deeds. As we celebrate Chanukah, let us also commit to four actions that dispel darkness:
One – Educate: Teach all of Australia’s children the dangers of hatred and the beauty of diversity.
Two – Advocate: Speak up! Call out antisemitism and bigotry wherever we see it—in our workplaces, schools, and communities.
Three – Connect: Build bridges with those who are different from us, fostering understanding and unity.
Four – Do Good: Perform acts of kindness, however small, to make the world a brighter place. Empower and enable Ambassadors of Light and in doing so; become one yourself.
As Julia Gillard once said, “When we treat each other with respect and fairness, we strengthen the fabric of our communities.” Let us weave that fabric with threads of light and hope.
A Personal Commitment. When I founded the 2023 Foundation, it was out of a deep conviction that silence is not an option. My wife and I would not be bystanders. History shows us where the path of indifference leads. And as a soldier, I know this truth well: evil thrives when good people do nothing.
To reiterate: I am with you—not just tonight, but every step of the way. In bad times and good, for as long as it may take. Until we prevail!
I know that Jewish Australians are among the finest Australians. This is a truth that must be demonstrated until the darkness is dispelled. I know that Australians look after their mates, particularly when their mates need them. In 2025, this should be both our guiding light and aiming mark; because what we saw in 2024 was not okay. It was not Australian.
Chanukah’s Eternal Message. Tonight, as we light the final candle of the menorah, let it serve as a beacon—not just for the Jewish people, but for all Australians. Let it remind us of the power of resilience, the importance of hope, and the unbreakable strength of unity.
As the Rebbe once said, “A little light dispels a lot of darkness.” My friends, it’s time. It’s time for our light to shine. May the light of Chanukah inspire us all to be better, to do better, and to build a brighter future for our nation and the world. Thank you. Am Yisrael Chai!
The convergence of the first day of Chanukah with Christmas Day is rare. These two significant holidays offer a unique opportunity for interfaith families and communities to celebrate shared values of light, hope, and resilience. It encourages mutual respect and understanding between Jewish and Christian traditions, fostering a sense of unity during the festive season.
Colonel Michael Scott, CSC, served for three decades in the Australian Army. He is a passionate advocate against antisemitism and the co-founder of The 2023 Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to fostering coexistence and combating hate. His experiences have shaped his unwavering commitment to supporting Jewish communities worldwide. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the positions of the Australian Defence Force or the Commonwealth Government of Australia.
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