News Brief

The Simon Wiesenthal Center has created an alternative energy menorah.

The Energy Alternative Menorah is part of the center’s new Energy Independence Initiative, which includes lectures and exhibits, and petitions.

The menorah features a crystal design with candleholders inscribed with the laser-cut symbols for biofuel, electric car, wind power, clean coal, nuclear, natural gas, solar power and hydro power.

Its creators say the menorah is more than a decorative artifact, for if the Maccabees fought for freedom from foreign occupiers, America is now struggling for freedom from foreign oil despots.

From Iran to Venezuela, petrol dictators are using billions of American dollars to fund terrorism and propaganda against the United States and Israel, said Rabbi Marvin Hier, the founder and dean of the Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles.

“Reducing our dependence on foreign oil must become America’s No. 1 national security priority, and everyone must share in the task,” he said.

Complimentary menorahs will be sent to all 50 governors and to mayors of major cities.

Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the center’s associate dean, said the goal of the energy initiative is “to trigger a basic change in the attitude of every American, so we can stop hemorrhaging our national wealth to benefit our enemies.”