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Statement on the Bondi Shooting and Solidarity Message

Dear Chaverim,

It is Hanukkah (חנוכה).  Sometimes called the Jewish Festival of Light, it is a celebration of Jewish pride and religious freedom. Its origins come later in history than most other Jewish holidays, marking the miracle of Jews fighting back against the Greek Seleucids and defeating their attempts of ethnic and cultural cleaning of our homeland. As Judaism infuses every aspect of our culture, Hanukkah also recognizes the hand of G-d in that miraculous victory by highlighting the supernatural burning of holy olive oil in the Temple Menorah, shedding light for eight days (the time needed to restart the supply of oil cut off by the Seleucids) with only one day’s supply. We celebrate our pride and independence as Jews each year and shed light each night of Hanukkah into the darkness of the world around us.

This Hanukkah, the world is once again filled with darkness. Our hearts and souls pour out our sympathy and prayers for the dead and injured, their families and friends after the tragic and disgusting rifle attack by Islamic extremists on Bondi Beach near Sidney, Australia on the first night of Hannukah. This was a bloodthirsty act against the Jewish community during a Menorah lighting event. 15 people slaughtered, including two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a ten-year old girl, and at least 40 injured, all there just to kindle that holy light. Several bravely, heroically fought or resisted the gunmen, but died in the attempt. We also pray for those wounded or lost to violent atrocities everywhere. Darkness always tries to destroy the source of light, but we will not be stopped. We will continue to be a beacon and bring into sharp clarity that darkness and from whence it comes. To that end, we will continue to have all of those who have suffered in our thoughts each night we light, in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Australia and the entire Jewish people.