Dr. Marc Siegel Reflects on Hanukkah’s Message Amid Recent Tragedies
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — As communities grapple with the aftermath of recent violence, Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst and Brown University alumnus, has called upon the enduring message of Hanukkah to inspire hope and resilience. In an opinion piece published on December 17, 2025, Dr. Siegel connected the ancient Jewish holiday’s symbolism of light overcoming darkness to the tragic terror attack on Bondi Beach, Australia, and the shootings at Brown University in Providence.
Hanukkah commemorates the victory of Judah Maccabee and his followers over the Seleucid Empire more than two centuries before the birth of Christ. The holiday is famously marked by the miracle of a small amount of oil burning for eight days in the rededicated Second Temple in Jerusalem, a beacon of perseverance and faith. Dr. Siegel, who grew up celebrating Hanukkah, emphasized that the holiday’s significance extends beyond religious observance to embody courage and hope amid adversity.
“Hanukkah stands for light over darkness, for strength and courage and perseverance over weakness and capitulation,” Dr. Siegel wrote. He urged people worldwide to reflect on this message in light of the recent ISIS-inspired attack on Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach, which claimed at least 15 lives. This assault, he warned, signals a troubling rise in antisemitism, a “cancer of hatred” that demands urgent attention.
Dr. Siegel also expressed profound sorrow over the shootings at Brown University, describing the Ivy League campus as a close-knit community now shaken by violence. Having deep personal ties to Brown — with his father and family members as alumni — he called for a “Hanukkah miracle” to heal the wounds inflicted on the campus.
Experts warn that such traumatic events can have lasting mental health impacts on survivors and communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that exposure to violence can lead to post-traumatic stress and other psychological challenges, underscoring the need for compassionate support.
Dr. Siegel’s reflections resonate with broader concerns about global security and the persistence of extremist threats. Israeli intelligence officials have highlighted numerous foiled terror plots worldwide, emphasizing the ongoing vigilance required to prevent attacks. The Department of Homeland Security continues to monitor and counteract such threats domestically and abroad.
Hanukkah’s enduring symbolism offers a call to collective courage and unity. Dr. Siegel urged communities to “join hands and ask God for a healing miracle,” embodying the spirit of the Maccabees who reclaimed Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple. The Western Wall in Jerusalem remains a powerful site of prayer and hope, where millions leave notes beseeching divine intervention and peace.
As the world confronts these recent tragedies, Dr. Siegel’s message reminds us that even in the darkest times, the light of resilience and faith can guide societies toward healing and renewal. The hope is that this Hanukkah, communities affected by violence will find strength in the miracle that has inspired generations.
For more information on Hanukkah and its historical significance, visit the History Channel’s Hanukkah overview. To learn about mental health resources following trauma, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides guidance and support.
Dr. Siegel’s poignant reminder arrives at a time when the world is in desperate need of light and healing, echoing the ancient holiday’s call to overcome darkness with hope and courage.
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