A mass shooting during Hanukkah celebrations in Bondi Beach, Australia, has sparked a global wave of shock and grief.
The Jewish diaspora and its supporters around the world hold joint prayers as a form of resistance to hatred, stressing that the festival of Hanukkah symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness.
Israeli leaders, including Jewish Agency CEO Judah Setton and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed solidarity and a call for decisive action against antisemitism, while the Israeli parliament (Knesset) was illuminated in tribute.
Condemnation of this attack came from various world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, to UN spokesmen.
The incident further highlighted rising antisemitism, prompting rabbis around the world to call for Jews to be “more Jewish” in response.
Security was tightened at Hanukkah celebrations in Europe, and the European Parliament was heckled.
In this tragedy, the story of heroism, as shown by shopkeeper Ahmed who disarmed one of the unarmed attackers, becomes a symbol of courage shining through the darkness.
