(JEWISH GROUP) Bondi Beach attack transforms global Hanukkah celebrations into acts of defiance -- with added security

[Behind the Aegis]

(THIS IS THE JEWISH GROUP!!)

Within hours of a devastating shooting on a Chabad Hanukkah party in Australia, other outposts of the Hasidic movement began outlining their plans to go forward with their own celebrations, despite their grief and the possible risk.

“Chanukah teaches that we do not respond to darkness by retreating,” said Rabbi Mendel Silberstein of Chabad Lubavitch of Larchmont and Mamaroneck, in suburban New York City, in one statement among many issued by Chabad emissaries.

“We respond by adding light,” he continued. “Today is not a time to stay home or stay silent. It is a time to come out, stand tall, and show support for our brothers and sisters in Australia and for Jews everywhere.”

Rabbi Avi Winner, a spokesman for Chabad World Headquarters and the leader of Chabad Young Professionals in Manhattan, said public menorah lightings across the globe hosted by Chabad were seeing a surge in attendance, with some lightings “doubling in size” because of the Bondi Beach shooting.

“The only response is to not cower, but to double down and stand up for who we are and let the menorah shine bright,” Winner said.

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[nycbos]

1. I arrived back in the states after a trip abroad with my family last night.

Last edited Tue Dec 16, 2025, 12:46 PM - Edit history (1)

I made sure to light candles last night, despite being exhausted from jet lag, because I wanted to do an act of defiance.

[mucifer]

2. My synagogue is having a Pop-Up Hanukkah Candle Lighting & Caroling

in an outdoor public this week. I plan on going.