Chanukah wasn’t born as a soft, universal “festival of lights.” It was a fierce Jewish revolt for sovereignty, identity, and spiritual survival in the Land of Israel. Today, the holiday is often reduced to tinsel, donuts, and vague “light in the darkness” messages — even by politicians who oppose Jewish self-determination. This piece uncovers the real story of Chanukah: a national liberation movement grounded in covenant, courage, and purpose — and why reclaiming its meaning matters now more than ever.