CHICAGO — Throughout the city, Hanukkah festivities proceeded on Sunday evening.
While there was a somber undertone, the celebrations also reflected a spirit of resilience. Enhanced police presence was evident, with additional measures in place to ensure Jewish families could mark the occasion, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, safely.
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In Lakeview, children gleefully raced to collect Hanukkah gelt being tossed from atop a Chicago Fire Department truck. This joyous scene epitomized what the first night of Hanukkah means for many Jewish families as they gather to celebrate with loved ones.
However, the air of festivity was overshadowed by the tragic mass shooting in Australia, which claimed at least 15 lives during a Hanukkah gathering.
“It’s horrific, sad, a tragedy I cannot even describe, especially on the first night of Hanukkah,” expressed Rabbi Baruch Hertz from Chabad of Broader Lakeview. “Yet, as heartbreaking as it is, we remain undeterred.”
Sunday night’s events in Lakeview and Lincoln Square were held with heightened security. Members of Chabad, the same Hassidic group associated with the ill-fated Sydney festival at Bondi Beach, gathered to enjoy latkes and jelly-filled donuts following the menorah lighting.
“Chabad rebbes has always taught us that the way we deal with this tremendous darkness is by bringing light, and therefore, this Hanukkah, we will show that the terrorists are not going to win, and we’re going to spread more light,” Hertz said.
Earlier, Jewish leaders gathered to speak out against the deadly attack, which could have been much worse had it not been for a heroic bystander who intervened, wrestling a long gun away from one of the two shooters.
“Let’s be clear. This was not a random act of violence. Jews were purposely targeted for simply being Jewish,” said Jewish United Fund President Lonnie Nasatir. “Here in Chicago, we can’t let this happen. We won’t let this happen. All parts of our community must speak out.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement earlier, “As Jewish Chicagoans gather to light the menorah tonight, we mourn alongside you, and we are here for you as we grieve this horrific tragedy… The antisemitic attack in Sydney has no place in our world.”
Chicago police said they are actively monitoring the situation in Sydney, but at this point, there is nothing that would lead them to believe any similar concerns exist in Chicago. Regardless, additional resources are being placed around Jewish temples and community centers.
