Colorado lawmakers, Jewish community condemn Australia terrorist attack on Hanukkah celebration

Colorado's Jewish community and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are condemning the antisemitic terrorist attack that occurred in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, the first night of Hanukkah.

Chabad-Lubavitch of Colorado also says Chabad centers across the state are implementing "enhanced security measures" and working with local law enforcement, "to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all."

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, the state's first Jewish governor, called the shooting "sickening" in a statement on Sunday, where he also condemned the deadly shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island.

"No person ever should have to fear gathering to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah or any religious gathering," he said. "Religious and targeted violence are not normal and can never become normal. Colorado is no stranger to this continued violence that plagues our nation and world, at a time where in one 24-hour span an attack on Brown University and an attack across the world at a peaceful Jewish gathering on a beach left two communities in mourning, we must look beyond our differences to our shared humanity and pledge to love one another and stop this violence. Colorado sends healing thoughts to our friends in Australia and Rhode Island during this difficult time. Our heart breaks again."

According to law enforcement officials in Australia, 15 people were killed in the attack at Bondi Beach, including a 12-year-old child, and another 40 were hospitalized. The suspects were identified as a father and son: 24-year-old Naveed Akram and his 50-year-old father, who hasn't been named, but was killed by police, Australian officials said.

One video of the attack appeared to show a man, later identified in Australian media as local shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, wrestling a gun from one of the suspects. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns called al Ahmed a "genuine hero."

Australian news outlet 7News reported that al Ahmed suffered two gunshot wounds during the attack.

"This was a targeted act of antisemitic violence against Jews who had gathered peacefully to celebrate Chanukah," said Rabbi Mendel Popack, regional director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Colorado. "They were attacked solely because they were Jewish."

Popack said a colleague, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 40, was killed in the attack. 

"His work was similar to ours, inspired by the same mission of sharing the joy and spirituality of Judaism with all," Popack said.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who's also Jewish, said on social media on Sunday, "Light can overcome darkness. This is what love for humanity prevailing over hate and antisemitism looks like. For all who walk this path of the righteous, thank you."

For members of Denver's Jewish community, gathering in Central Park to light the menorah on the first night of Hanukkah is a tradition, a time to bring light into the darkness.

"It is more important than ever. We are strength in numbers," said Mark Stein.

Stein attends the event every year, but this holiday he carried the weight of another attack on his community. Just 24 hours earlier in Australia, 15 people were killed when two gunmen opened fire at a similar celebration.

"When one of us hurts on the other side of the world, we all feel it," Stein said.

Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas was also at the event. While officers attend the gathering every year, Thomas said a more visible police presence was necessary.

"I think it's good for us to be here and support and make the community feel safe," Thomas said. "But I also think it's important for all of these folks to be out and not let evil win."

The increased security was a welcome sight for many parents and children who came together to celebrate their faith, despite the violence.

"It's in times of darkness, when we are confronted by these forces of evil, that the menorah tells us it is not time to hide," one attendee said.

While the event is a tradition, attendees like Ari Sternbach said this year it also served as a reminder.

"See the light, remember the light, let it be there for you," he said.

"Chanukah reminds us that light grows when it is shared," Popack said. "We invite our neighbors, friends, and civic partners to stand with us, to stand against hate, and to stand for goodness."