"Hanukkah (Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה, usually spelled חנוכה pronounced [χanuˈka] in Modern Hebrew, also romanized as Chanukah or Chanuka), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE.
Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar."
Dear Kensington Friends,
What a year it's been since Occupy Kensington reconvened to fight for our neighbors and neighborhood in the face of the Trump Administration. Join us this Sunday, December 3rd, at 4:30 p.m., for a potluck party to celebrate our efforts and solidarity with the wider community.
Members of our Kensington Hate Free Zone partners, JFREJ (Jews for Racial Equality and Justice), SURJ (Standing Up for Racial Justice), and DRUM (Desis Rising Up and Moving) will join us to commemorate our joint efforts over the nine months.
Bring something to eat or drink. Donations for Puerto Rico are also encouraged. See the details below.
People nationwide have been organizing successfully, with hard fought wins in court, recent elections, and the court of public opinion.
OK members can take heart from our collective efforts to carry out a three pronged approach to support vulnerable neighbors that included: exerting pressure to make NYC a true sanctuary city; assisting immigrants in the courts; preparing to stop ICE and protect neighbors from hate at the local level.
LocationWe’ve coordinated with like-minded groups, both immigrant and native-born. We’ve also responded to new crises, such as the devastation in Puerto Rico, which profoundly affects Brooklyn neighbors. Here’s a brief look back!
- Sponsored three neighborhood workshops in bystander training and self-defense.
- Held three demonstrations, including a kick-off with DRUM (Desis Rising Up and Moving) that attracted 300 people, as well as our best-attended-ever International Women’s Day demo.
- Initiated a comprehensive neighborhood know-your-rights flyer posting that brought neighbors together.
- Sponsored well attended workshop on broken windows policing and cop watch with guest speaker from El Grito.
- Conducted ongoing business outreach with DRUM, JFREJ, and SURJ to engage small businesses in making Kensington a Hate-Free-Zone, getting dozens of local businesses to join.
- Assisted immigrants by accompanying them to court for deportation and asylum hearings in conjunction with New Sanctuary Coalition.
- Organized reading group on immigration.
- Held discussions on topics from New York Health Act to the recent elections, some featuring guests from other groups.
- Coordinated Kensington hurricane relief for Puerto Rico, raising $1,500 in cash and another $500 in material donations.
- Provide ongoing help packing aid for Puerto Rico in conjunction with El Grito.
- Maintain a website for updating the community and a Facebook group, where members can contribute important news items to the conversation.
- Members individually and together have attended numerous demonstrations, events and panel discussions.
Let’s gather for neighborly camaraderie just ahead of the holidays! All are welcome - whether you've been able to participate with us yet or would just like to get to know OK neighbors better!
Items needed for Puerto Rican relief. We will see that they get to the warehouse!
- Gas canisters
- Hand sanitizer
- Large trash bags
- Battery operated fans
- Batteries of all types (esp. solar)
- Extension cords
- USB car chargers for phones
- Insect repellent
- Water purification tablets & Water filters
- Tarps
- Lighters
- Utility knives
- Duct tape
- Work gloves | Latex gloves | Rubber boots
- Battery powered drills
- Large candles
- First aid kits
- Neosporin
- Cold medicine, Immodium/Pepto-Bismol, Tylenol/Advil, EmergenC/Airborne
- Baby wipes (we have lots of diapers)
- Diaper rash cream
- Shaving razor blades
- Toilet paper
