UPDATE: A tragic shooting during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, has left at least 15 dead and sent shockwaves throughout Jewish communities worldwide. The attack, which occurred yesterday at Bondi Beach, has prompted increased security measures in San Diego County as local leaders respond to this act of violence.
The shooting unfolded during a public menorah lighting, a time intended for joy and celebration. Rabbi Yaron Ilfort, director of Chabad at La Costa and Coastal Chabad in Carlsbad, expressed the profound impact of this tragedy on his community. “This attack feels like a punch in the gut,” he stated, highlighting the personal connection many in the Jewish community feel after learning that Rabbi Ilfort’s wife has a cousin who was present during the attack.
Among the victims was the nephew of Rabbi Emeritus Israel Goldstein, who survived a previous attack at the Chabad of Poway in 2019. Goldstein emphasized that this recent violence is not just an attack on the Jewish community but on the values of Western civilization itself. “We cannot afford to run and hide from these people,” he asserted, calling for a doubling down on public celebrations to counteract the darkness with light.
Rabbi Ilfort recounted the harrowing experience of his wife’s cousin, a young mother who initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks. She fled with her infant daughter amid the chaos, leaving behind her belongings in a desperate escape. “This will stay with her for the rest of her life,” Ilfort noted, emphasizing the lasting emotional scars such violence can inflict.
In response to the attack, San Diego law enforcement has announced heightened security measures at local Jewish gatherings and synagogues. Mayor Todd Gloria has reaffirmed the city’s commitment to safeguarding its Jewish community during this vulnerable time. Rabbi Ilfort praised local police for their proactive engagement, stating, “Their support is invaluable to us.”
As the community grapples with this devastating news, Rabbi Ilfort urges people to connect and uplift one another. “Being together uplifts all of us,” he emphasized, underscoring the importance of solidarity and communal strength during trying times.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat of anti-Semitism and hate crimes. Rabbi Ilfort believes that the proper response to such darkness is to increase acts of goodness and kindness. “Light wins every single time,” he said, advocating for a renewed commitment to public celebrations of Hanukkah and other community gatherings.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting, and more information is expected in the coming days. The San Diego Jewish community is urged to remain vigilant and supportive of one another as they mourn the victims and stand against hate.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the global community stands in solidarity with those affected by this tragic event.
