Australians Unite in Vigils to Honor Bondi Attack Victims and Defy Fear

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Hanukkah events and vigils were held across Australia on Monday night as thousands of mourners laid flowers and left messages to remember the 15 people killed in the terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday.

In an emotional ceremony at Bondi Beach, Rabbi Yossi Shuchat lit the candles of a 150cm-high menorah, telling those gathered: “Lightness will always persevere, darkness cannot continue where there is light.”

The iconic sails of Sydney’s Opera House were illuminated with the glow of a Hanukkah menorah on Monday evening, serving as a tribute to the victims.

The Pillars of Light Festival also went ahead at Melbourne’s Federation Square where attendees gathered to sing, pray and watch Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann light the menorah.

Addressing the crowd, Rabbi Kaltmann thanked everyone “for showing up and being here in solidarity”.

“We gather not in fear, but in strength,” he said.

“By lighting the menorah, we aim to illuminate our hearts and dispel this gloom,” expressed one attendee.

A menorah stands with 3 candles burning during a Chanukah - Pillars of Light public event

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.

Members of the Jewish community also gathered on Monday night to celebrate the second night of Hanukkah at St Kilda beach and Caulfield Shule in Melbourne’s south-east.

Rabbi Effy Block from the Chabad St Kilda said his congregation were reeling from “broken hearts, deep shock, and profound pain”.

“Yes, our hearts are heavy. Yes, we are grieving … but we will not be broken,” he said.

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

Sajid, a licensed owner of six firearms who arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998, died at the scene following a short shootout with police.

Australian-born Naveed remains in a coma in hospital after also being shot and is expected to face charges.

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

Naveed Akram was investigated by ASIO for six months in 2019 because of his connections with two people who both subsequently went to jail but there was “no evidence” he had been radicalised. The 15 people killed by the shooters ranged in age from 10 to 87.

There are 26 injured patients receiving care in Sydney hospitals, 12 of whom are critically injured.

Constable Scott Dyson and another unnamed NSW Police officer are among the injured and are both in a serious but stable condition.

Their families have expressed “heartfelt gratitude” to the first responders and hospital workers whose actions saved lives.