At Federation Square in Melbourne, a menorah with three lit candles stood prominently during the Chanukah — Pillars of Light public gathering. Photo Credit: AAP / Jay Kogler

In the eastern part of Sydney, a large crowd gathered for a prayer vigil at the Chabad Bondi synagogue, a spiritual home for many affected by Sunday’s incident.

“I’m absolutely shocked, but something seemed inevitable given the burned cars, synagogues, restaurants, and graffiti on walls,” noted a community member.

“We refuse to be silenced or succumb to fear,” affirmed another participant.