Chabad Jewish Community Center of Gainesville responds to terrorist attack at Chanukah event in Australia: “Our response is more light”

Press release from Chabad GNV Jewish Community Center

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Chabad Jewish Community Center of Gainesville is mourning alongside the global Jewish community following the devastating terrorist attack that occurred earlier today at a public Chanukah Menorah lighting hosted by Chabad in Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia.

The attack claimed the lives of eleven innocent people and left many others injured. Among those murdered was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, of blessed memory, a devoted Chabad Shliach (emissary) of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, who dedicated his life to spreading Jewish education, pride, joy, and light.

“The entire Jewish world is in shock and mourning,” said Rabbi Berl Goldman, Director of Chabad Jewish Community Center of Gainesville, FL. “Our hearts ache for the families of the victims, for those who were wounded, and for the Jewish community of Sydney. We say Psalms, we pray for healing, and we cry out together: enough of this darkness.”

The attack targeted a public celebration meant to usher in Chanukah and symbolized an assault not only on innocent lives, but on Jewish presence, visibility, and pride. The event was intended to be the first public Menorah lighting in the world this Chanukah.

“This was an attempt to spread fear and make Jews hesitate before gathering, celebrating, and shining openly,” Rabbi Goldman said. “But the message of Chanukah could not be clearer.”

“Our response to darkness and evil is more light. Our response to fear is unity and strength. Our response to hatred is Jewish pride, joy, and action.”

In the teachings of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory — who pioneered public Menorah lightings around the world — Chabad Jewish Community Center of Gainesville, FL states clearly and unequivocally that no Chanukah events will be canceled.

“On the contrary,” Rabbi Goldman emphasized, “our Chanukah celebrations will continue with strength, dignity, and resolve.”

Upcoming Chanukah Events in Gainesville

Chabad of Gainesville invites the community to stand together at the following scheduled events:

• Sunday, 1:30 p.m.: Chanukah Factory for families and children at Lowe’s

• Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.: Chanukah Community Celebration at the Chabad JCC Gainesville

• Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.: 26th Annual Downtown Chanukah Celebration at Bo Diddley Plaza, featuring live music, entertainment, dignitaries, and a public Menorah lighting

Community Safety

Chabad Jewish Community Center of Gainesville, FL stressed that community safety remains its highest priority. The organization is working closely and continuously with local and state law enforcement agencies, including the Gainesville Police Department, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Florida State law enforcement, and the University Police Department.

“All appropriate security measures are firmly in place,” Rabbi Goldman said. “We are deeply grateful to our law enforcement partners for their professionalism, vigilance, and ongoing commitment to public safety.”

Call to Action

Community members are encouraged to attend the events, stand together publicly, and affirm Jewish pride.

“If you know an individual or family who does not yet have a Menorah, please let them know that we are offering free Chanukah Menorah kits (dreidel included),” Rabbi Goldman added. “Let one more light be lit in memory of those who cannot light this year.”

Chabad of Gainesville is also organizing Chanukah visits for individuals in hospitals, senior residences, and those who are homebound, bringing holiday cheer including traditional hot latkes and sufganiyot.

To share a name, receive more information, or help sponsor this mitzvah, please contact: Rabbi@JewishGNV.com | (352) 336-5877 or visit JewishGNV.com

“As Rabbi Eli Schlanger himself taught so powerfully,” Rabbi Goldman noted, “‘Be more Jewish. Act more Jewish. Appear more Jewish.’”

Chabad Jewish Community Center of Gainesville, FL concludes with a prayer that G-d comfort the mourners, heal the wounded, protect His people everywhere, and bring the day when the Menorah will be lit once again in the Beit Hamikdash in Jerusalem, in a world of peace, safety, and redemption.

About Chanukah

The holiday of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the victory of a small Jewish force against a tremendous Greek army, which was seeking to spiritually and physically annihilate the Jews. Chanukah, highlighted by the kindling of the Menorah for eight days, is celebrated each year, as we continue to give thanks for freedom.

The Chabad Jewish Community Student Center of Gainesville, FL  is a branch of the Lubavitch-Chabad movement, an international Chassidic organization under the leadership of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of righteous memory. With over 5,500 centers around the globe, it is by far the largest network of Jewish religious and social services in the world. In its Chanukah outreach campaign, The Gainesville Center joins hundreds of Chabad-Lubavitch Centers across the globe, which publicize the universal message of Chanukah and brings the joy of Chanukah throughout the world.