THE COMMEMORATION OF KRISTALLNACHT

On November 9–10, 1938, the horror of Kristallnacht unleashed a barrage of destruction across Germany and Austria. Synagogues torched, over 7,000 Jewish businesses shattered, homes, hospitals, and schools ransacked by mobs. More than 30,000 Jewish men—fathers, brothers, neighbors—dragged from their lives into the jaws of death, the concentration camps. Were they led by perpetrators? – Often by neighbors, people they considered friends, people they shared stories with for years. This was the prelude to the Holocaust’s unimaginable horrors and the Nazis’ genocidal war against God’s chosen people.

The pieces of that broken glass seem to multiply in our own time. Anti-Semitism is not confined to history books or distant lands—it’s erupting here, now, in the heart of America. New York City (NYC)—home to over one million Jewish people is standing at a dangerous cross-roads—the election of Zohran Mamdani is extremely concerning. His sharp criticisms of Israel, once a rallying cry for some, now amplify fears in a city where Jews faced 62% of all reported hate crimes last month alone. Just hours after his victory on November 4, vandals scrawled swastikas across the walls of a Brooklyn Jewish school.

Exit polls show only about a third of Jewish voters backed him, with many citing his anti-Israel stance as a red line amid a generational rift that’s left families divided and Synagogues on edge. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) launched a “Mamdani Monitor” to track policies affecting Jewish safety and a tip line for incidents. NYC is a city that’s seen hundreds of harassments, vandalism, and assaults in 2025 already—building on 2024’s record 976 cases—the same insidious spirit of 1938 whispers through protests, graffiti, and veiled threats, working to threaten and destroy all Jewish people.

Yet, in this dark hour, the Word of God pierces through: “…darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (Isaiah 60:2–3 NIV). That promise isn’t abstract—it’s unfolding before our eyes. Israel stands resilient, a beacon drawing her children home as the LORD gathers them through His holy work of Aliyah. Even now, in response to global surges like NY – Israel proposes 0% income tax for new Olim starting in 2026—a bold call to return amid the rising tide of hate. From the streets of Brooklyn to the hills of Judea, the prophetic ingathering prophesied in Ezekiel lives on—it cannot be stopped!

As believers, we are called to rise in faith, to declare His covenantal promises in fervent prayer, —to courageously stand with God as He defends Israel and brings His sons and daughters home. 

Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:4 NLT

Your partnership with Operation Exodus USA is fulfilling prophecy—as we help Jewish families board flights home as Scripture foretold—never to be uprooted again. Together, we are the faithful and courageous people the LORD has called for such a time as this! He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. (Psalm 98:3 NLT)

Adrianne Prosser

Outreach Development Director, OEUSA