In the heart of Chicago, the Jewish community came together for a significant event, a menorah car parade, on Monday evening. This gathering was particularly poignant as it unfolded under the shadow of the recent attack in Australia.
As the sun set around 6:30 p.m., over 100 vehicles set off from the Bernard Horwich JCC on Touhy Avenue. The convoy wound its way through various neighborhoods, making its way toward Niles in a spirited show of unity and resilience.
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“This is the time to come out and show our pride, and bring light into a dark world, and not let anything stop us,” expressed Hershey Sufrin, a participant in the parade. His words captured the essence of the event, which has been a cherished tradition for more than half a century, symbolizing a public affirmation of Jewish identity and solidarity.
The parade took on added significance following the tragic events at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration resulted in the loss of 15 lives, with over 40 others injured. Organizers emphasized the importance of the parade in the wake of such violence, reinforcing the community’s commitment to stand together in the face of adversity.
Chana Shusterman, another attendee, highlighted the joyous spirit that permeated the evening. “We’re proud, and we want to show everybody how we’re so happy to celebrate,” she said, underscoring the community’s determination to celebrate their heritage openly and defiantly.
“We’re proud, and we want to show everybody how we’re so happy to celebrate,” said paradegoer Chana Shusterman.
The group was busy assembling additional menorahs for the parade on Monday afternoon. A number of community members have reached out, wanting to join their parade, making it the largest group they have had for this event.
The additional interest was sparked from the tragic mass shooting in Sydney, Australia over the weekend. They are determined not to run and hide.
“It hurts. It really hurts. But the same hurt, with the same determination, we know we have to double down more. Because we’ll never let evil win,” said Lubavitch Chabad Rabbi Yosef Moscowitz.
READ MORE | What we know about the victims of the Bondi Beach, Australia shooting
It is very personal for Moscowitz. One of his son’s close friends was critically injured in Sunday’s shooting.
“It’s a moving method of light and hope. When we get it hard, we hit back double,” Moscowitz said.
For all the celebrations, there is also a community in pain, including many with connections to those killed or injured in the attack.
“One of my dearest friends was out there, and he’s currently in the hospital, and for me, my job is to spread the light and show people the importance of Hanukkah,” said paradegoer Ozzy Belson.
Organized by Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois, the car parade took place under the watchful eye of the Cook County Sheriff’s Department, which provided an escort for participants.
Security has been increased not just there, but across the entire state for all of the Chabad’s Hanukkah celebrations. The Hassidic movement is the same that was behind the festival at Bondi Beach.
JUF officials said they have provided the Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois with emergency funding to help cover additional safety costs.
“The threat environment we are in right now is incredibly complex, incredibly dynamic,” said Michael Masters with the Secure Community Network. “We are working every day as a team of intelligence, law enforcement and security professionals to protect the Jewish community.”
The Secure Community Network works with law enforcement to help with safety in the Jewish community. They say this is a dangerous time in history, but they are determined to overcome.
“We are going to continue celebrating our holiday and our faith even in the face of individuals and organizations that would try to undermine and attack us,” Masters said.
The Illinois Holocaust Center issued a statement, saying, in part, “Violence against any group anywhere is an assault on humanity everywhere.”‘
“The best way to deal with the pain and evil in the world is not to hide in your basement, but to come out publicly and proudly,” Moscowitz said.
After the parade, organizers attended a Hanukkah party. They say they are determined to celebrate and not allow terrorists filled with hate to steal their joy.
Mayor Brandon Johnson said he is in communication with CPD as police continue to monitor for any potential threats here at home. Hanukkah continues through Dec. 22.
