Australia attack prompts increased security during menorah lighting events in Chicago
Jewish leaders in Chicago struck a defiant tone on Sunday following the attack targeting a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia.
They said they won't be deterred from celebrating Hanukkah and the true message of the holiday.
"We call upon all of our friends and community members to come out. hold your heads high. Kindle those lights and show the world that light will always triumph," said Rabbi Avraham Kagan of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois.
That was the message faith leaders took on Sunday as they lit the menorah around the city, including in Lincoln Square.
"I think we're trying to be an example to the world over here to send a message that how we combat hate, this tremendous hate, is by spreading light," said Rabbi Choni Hertz of Chabad of Lincoln Square.
The event held there was solemn but determined to shine the light in a time of darkness.
A couple of dozen people braved the cold for the menorah lighting ceremony. They were prepared for the low temperatures as forecasted, but the events in Sydney made for some last-minute precautions.
Organizers said Ald. Matt Martin (47th) reached out to them to talk about safety for Sunday, and said they'd be checking out the surrounding buildings, securing roof access, and keeping in contact with police — actions they see as necessary.
"We live in a world of precautions, and that's the reality we're in," said Rabbi Baruch Hertz of Chabad West Lakeview. "At the same time, we live in a world of courage and hope. There are tremendous people out there. There are people, there are many, who want to celebrate the message of unity, of light, of peace."
Members of the Jewish faith in Illinois said they received an emergency security grant from the Jewish United Fund and various donors to make sure the precautions were in place ahead of more than 70 menorah lightings across the state.
"Our focus right now is ensuring that these celebrations move forward, bigger, brighter, stronger, and louder," Rabbi Kagan said.
Rabbis say they want to see big crowds at any Hanukkah-related events.
"Don't just light the menorah at home. Come out to the public and join the Hanukkah celebrations and be part of the community, public celebrations as well," said Rabbi Meir Moscowitz, regional director of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois. "We have a choice. We can retreat in fear, or we can move forward as proud Jews."
Some of the rabbis who spoke publicly Sunday said they are personal friends with one of the victims of the attack in Australia. They said they are devastated, but determined to honor his loss by celebrating Hanukkah brighter than ever before.
"Our phones have been off the hook this morning after the tragic news coming out of Sydney, where our colleague, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a dear friend of mine, a personal friend, who was unfortunately taken too soon," Kagan said.
The crowd moved Sunday night's celebrations inside after lighting the menorah. Organizers held a second lighting in West Lakeview.
A grand menorah is also set up in Daley Plaza downtown. Live performances are planned for its lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The Chicago Jewish Alliance, which organizes the grand menorah lighting, issued a statement reading: "Chanukah reminds us that even a single flame, protected and tended, can outlast darkness. Now more than ever, it is essential that we show up, safely and together, and be that light."
A Hanukkah celebration is also planned for 5 p.m. Tuesday in the West Loop at Mary Bartelme Park, 115 S. Sangamon St. The celebration will feature doughnuts, latkes, and Hanukkah surprises.
Meanwhile, every day throughout Hanukkah, Lubavitch Chabad of Skokie is holding a menorah lighting at the Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center. On Saturday night, a cartop menorah parade will be held on the streets of Skokie, ending with a special program at Old Orchard.
On Monday afternoon, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is also joining community members for a Hanukkah celebration. They will be lighting the menorah at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield.
Jewish United Fund reacts to the attack near Sydney
Jews in Chicago call it another painful reminder of the soaring anti-Jewish violence seen around the world since the Oct. 7 attacks.
"Most of us went to bed watching the news of what happened at Brown University to wake up and see this happen here. Hannukkah is called the Festival of Lights. It's supposed to be fun. Kids get presents, families come together, and to wake up to this was really devastating," said Dan Goldwin.
The Jewish United Fund in Chicago said this was the largest attack against Jews not living in Israel since 1994.
They're calling on civic leaders and religious leaders of all faiths to call out anti-Jewish hate and urge elected officials to reiterate that there will be serious consequences for such behavior.