Hanukkah is supposed to be a celebration of Jewish resilience and about light casting out darkness, but many in Chicago’s Jewish community said they’re instead feeling devastated after an attack in Australia killed at least 15 people, which officials said targeted Jewish people at an event celebrating the first night of Hanukkah.
“We are feeling a lot of grief and sorrow as to what happened, but at the same time we have a holiday to celebrate,” said Rabbi Shlomo Soroka of Agudath Israel of Illinois. “We’re not going to be cowering in fear. We’re just going to double down and we’re going to get out there and celebrate as we do every year.”
Many of the people interviewed by NBC Chicago are demanding more elected officials speak out against antisemitism.
“Last night when we gathered in Highland Park, Illinois, to say traditional Hanukkah prayers under the menorah in our municipality, we had armed guards to ensure that just gathering, just to be Jewish and be together remains safe,” said Rebecca Wininger of the ADL of the Midwest.
The Secure Community Network based in Chicago put out an alert before Hanukkah. SCN said there was an elevated threat against Jewish organizations and recommends working with law enforcement to protect public events.
“There is a way to celebrate out in the open, publicly that is also safe and secure and we are committed to doing that. We are going to continue to do that in the face of this very complex and dynamic threat environment,” said Michael Masters, national director and CEO of the Secure Community Network.
Australia 5 hours agoWhat we know about the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia
Australia Dec 14Father and son gunmen kill at least 15 people in attack on Hanukkah event at Sydney's Bondi Beach
The threat against Jews is highlighted on a billboard along the Kennedy Expressway. The Jewish United Fund posted it about antisemitism increasing 58% in Chicago, according to city data.
The JUF will also put the same message on a truck outside Soldier Field Saturday night when the Bears host the Green Bay Packers.
“The same passion they have against Green Bay, I’m hoping we can tap into that passion to be against hate and antisemitism. I hope to channel all of those energies into something actually positive here and that is to say, ‘You know what? When I see antisemitism I’m standing up,’” said Lonnie Nasatir, president of the Jewish United Fund.
The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center said it was “horrified” by the attack at the Sydney beach, and mourned the loss of those killed, adding that it “is a stark reminder of how entrenched and violent antisemitism remains in the world.”
“The scene of joy and celebration was transformed in an instant by violence and hatred,” the museum said in a statement.
It noted that Jewish communities across Illinois and beyond “feel the pain and fear that follow such an atrocity.”
“At the same time, we are heartened by the stories of bravery and compassion that emerged from this tragedy, most notably how a local fruit stand owner, a Muslim immigrant, charged at and disarmed one of the gunmen, surely saving countless more lives. This selfless act of humanity and bravery in the face of terror reminds us of what it means to be an Upstander and that even in the darkest moments, the light of goodness persists,” the statement read. “At its core, Hanukkah is a story of Jewish resilience. It teaches us the enduring power of light over darkness and spirit over fear. It commemorates a struggle for survival, dignity, and identity against forces that sought to erase them. Today, as Jewish families around the world light the Hanukkah candles, they do so with heavy hearts — but also with resolve that hatred and violence will not extinguish Jewish life, culture, or tradition.
“Violence against any group anywhere is an assault on humanity everywhere. We call on all people of conscience to reject antisemitism and all forms of bigotry — now and always,” it continued. “Let us honor the victims not only with our mourning, but with our commitment to education, understanding, and unity. Hatred is not inevitable; it is learned. And it can be unlearned through active engagement, empathy, and standing together as a community against violence and prejudice. In this season of light, may we find strength in shared humanity and renew our commitment to a world where every person can celebrate their traditions in peace and safety.We grieve with those who grieve. We pray for healing and for a future where terror and hate no longer find footholds in our societies.”
Hence then, the article about australia hanukkah attack a stark reminder of antisemitism s effects community says was published today ( ) and is available on NBC Chicago ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Australia Hanukkah attack a ‘stark reminder' of antisemitism's effects, community says )
Also on site :