My New Year's Wish

It’s hard to believe that we’re ushering out the New Year the same way that we ushered it in: with hostages being held in Gaza and antisemitism raging all around us across the globe.

Like so many of you, I am infuriated, in disbelief that this has gone on for so long, and in shock by what I witness on a daily basis—-I will not hide or deny it. But right now, it’s the reality we’re all living in.

And so I will continue to march forward. I will continue to fight the fight. To call out antisemitism where I see it, and to support the Jewish community in every way I possibly can.

And I urge you to do the same. Many of you say to me, “I don’t have a huge platform, what can I really do to make a difference?” I will tell you… A LOT. Here are some ideas to get you started as we go into 2025:

1. Follow Jewish creators, supporters of our communities and allies AND engage with their content. It’s NOT ENOUGH to simply follow us. When you like, comment and share our posts, that is when the social media platforms show them to more people. DO THIS—-it helps, I promise you.

2. Find an event or a talk to go to in support of a Jewish organization near you: Your JCC, Federation, End Jew Hatred, Stand With Us, Chabad—-reach out to those in the Jewish community in your own community and ask how you can help and where you can support. Simply showing up and attending an event—-and bringing a friend—-is a huge help.

3. Write notes of thanks to those who continue to support the Jewish community: elected officials, brands, note able personalities, retailers. We always tend to go after the people who are NOT supporting, but it’s important to encourage those who are to keep doing so.

4. Organize a fundraiser of your own. Bring in a speaker, have a Challah bake, host an event in conjunction with a Jewish holiday on the upcoming calendar (Purim isn’t far off!) And donate the money to an organization who supports those in Israel who need it, or a Jewish organization close to your heart.

5. Don’t be afraid to call out antisemitism when you see it. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. Ever. Write to your elected officials, your school board, the CEO of a company—-wherever it is that you see it—-call it out. DO NOT TOLERATE HATE OF ANY KIND.

 I started talking about this notion last year that we’re better together.  It came off the heels of October 7th, but it really applies to every single aspect of life.  And this year I lived it.  We are truly better together.

Despite the fire raging around us, there has also been so much good, and such silver linings that have come from 2024.

First and foremost, so many more of you are here in my community than just one year ago.  Thanks to me finding my voice, I found so many of you. 

Second, during a time when we need human connection many of you have showed up---at my Dear FoundHer… events, in my group sessions, or simply on social media in my DMs. I'm really looking forward to more of that in 2025---I absolutely love connecting with each and every one of you. 

And last, while nothing could have prepared me to exit 2024 similarly to how we exited 2023,  the one thing all of this has shown me is that we're stronger together. 

And I believe that. 

I'm looking forward to continuing by your side in the New Year, and to having you by mine. 

Thank you truly, for being here this year.  For your support, kindness, friendship and love. I couldn't do any of this without you. 

 I wish you the Happiest of New Years and the Happiest of Hanukkah, surrounded by loved ones. My one wish is the same as all of yours: Bring Our Hostages Home. NOW.

Let the candles of the menorah burn bright tonight on night seven and tomorrow on night eight, and let us pray for a Hanukkah miracle,

Lots of love,

Lindsay Pinchuk

Foudner, The Chai Tea