At NECHAMA – Jewish Response to Disaster, we are heartbroken by the devastating terror attack at Bondi Beach, in Sydney, Australia. The incident killed at least 15 victims and wounded 40 others, who had gathered for an annual Hanukkah festival. There were more than 1000 in attendance.
NECHAMA’s mission is to respond in moments of crisis and to offer comfort and hope. Today, we grieve with the survivors and the families and loved ones of those who perished. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community of Australia, which like all Jewish communities worldwide, feels especially vulnerable in the aftermath of this antisemitic attack.
Yet Hanukkah is a celebration of unity and perseverance over hardship. As we light the Hanukkah candles over the next eight days, we do that in partial remembrance at what happened at Bondi Beach. Those lightings are a testament to the belief that even when the foundations of our lives are shaken, our collective strength is what allows us to stand tall again and that no darkness is permanent.
May the memories of the victims be a blessing.