CLEVELAND — The eight-day Festival of Lights known as Hanukkah is well underway, but this year’s festivities are slightly dimmed by a rise in antisemitism. 

Reports of harassment, vandalism and assault against those of the Jewish faith is increasing, according to the Anti-Defamation League, with a nearly 50% rise in incidents nationwide compared to last year. And this year’s not over. 

An Ohio group is hoping to help build bridges of understanding through music. 

Matt Fieldman is the co-founder of Rekindle, a group working to help strengthen relationships between the Black and Jewish communities. 

“There’s been a lot of divisiveness and a lot of people trying to divide the communities,” he said. “And that’s how you maintain power is by keeping people separate, and keeping people hating each other and in their own bubbles.”

Recording artist Nissim Black represents both communities. 

“When I’m amongst other Hasidim inside the community, I’m the only one that’s dark,” Black said. “Amongst other Black people, I’m the only one dressed like this. So, I stand out wherever I go.”

Black is a hip-hop Hasidic Jew who converted to the faith. 

“When other people choose to be what you are, it’s a really powerful thing,” Fieldman said. 

Fieldman said Black’s music is helping make the faith more mainstream. 

“I’m excited for other people to get to see it and see the vibrant culture that we have,” he said. “It’s nothing to be scared of, it’s nothing to be worried about.”

Black said his religion has made him a target of hate. 

“I’ve endured a lot of antisemitism compared to the little amount of racism I’ve experienced in my life,” he said. “Antisemitism is crazy.”

But he’s using his talents and platform to help increase understanding. 

“I’m definitely not looking to be a spokesperson for something, but if that’s what God wants, it’s what He wants,” he said.