In a disturbing incident during Hanukkah, a hateful teenager was captured on camera destroying an 8-foot inflatable bear adorned with a menorah outside a Jewish family's Brooklyn home. Despite the shock, the targeted family, led by homeowner Ikey Cabasso, chose resilience over retaliation. Undeterred by the vandalism, they opted for an even larger replacement bear, embodying the spirit of the holiday by letting their light shine brighter in the face of adversity.
Cabasso shared a brief video clip revealing the teen's unprovoked attack on the inflatable menorah. The family believes the vandal may be associated with the nearby Coney Island Prep Charter School, a source of ongoing issues in the neighborhood, including incidents of antisemitism. Cabasso filed a police report and confronted the school, demanding the bear's replacement and offering to educate students about the situation in Israel.
Despite the escalating instances of antisemitism in the area since the Israel-Hamas conflict in October, the school's response to the incident remains unclear. Cabasso, emphasizing the importance of religious pride, originally set up the inflatable bear to reassure his children following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Undeterred by the vandalism, the family ordered an even larger Hanukkah bear, using the opportunity to teach their children about resilience and solidarity.
Cabasso, who had visited Israel on a solidarity mission, perceives the incident as a blatant act of antisemitism, emphasizing the disparity between the vandalized menorah bear and untouched Christmas decorations in the neighborhood. The family's response reflects a commitment to standing strong against hatred and prejudice, embodying the resili
In the face of a disturbing act of vandalism during Hanukkah, the Cabasso family's response stands as a testament to resilience, pride, and the unwavering commitment to stand against antisemitism. Choosing not to succumb to anger or fear, they replaced the destroyed menorah-bearing bear with an even larger one, symbolizing the strength of their faith and the enduring spirit of the holiday.
The incident, occurring amid a backdrop of rising antisemitic incidents in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlights the challenges faced by communities. Ikey Cabasso's decision to engage with the local school, seek a resolution, and offer education on the situation in Israel underscores a proactive approach toward fostering understanding.
As the family continues to navigate the aftermath of this disheartening event, their actions speak louder than the destructive act itself. In ordering a bigger Hanukkah bear and using the moment as a teaching opportunity for their children, the Cabassos embody a message of resilience, unity, and the power of unwavering determination to illuminate even the darkest corners with the light of hope and understanding.