Phoenix Jewish community stays strong to celebrate Hanukkah following Sydney attack

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Jewish community in downtown Phoenix celebrated the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday with music, food and prayer. Their hearts were heavy as they reflected on a deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia.

Two gunmen opened fire on a beach, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 35. Among the dead was a rabbi who was a friend of Rabbi Dovber Dechter with the Chabad at Downtown Phoenix.

“Unfortunately, there’s a lot of darkness in the world and we try to counter that with a lot of light in the world,” Dechter said. “As much darkness as there is, that’s how much light we have to have.”

Dechter said he woke to the tragic news but believes his friend would not want the tragedy to tarnish what is supposed to be a day of happiness.

“I think the message is that we don’t stop. We don’t slow down. We continue to spread the message of goodness and light,” he said.

Families gathered in downtown Phoenix for the celebration, though attendees admitted they felt uneasy and worried about safety. Security was hired, as they always are for events, to keep watch for extra peace of mind.

“When I was a young boy, you didn’t think about security at a synagogue. Now you go and there’s guards and things like that. The world has changed. And in that respect, not for the good,” said Leonard Kleinman.

As the menorah was lit, the message of resilience through difficult times burned brighter, igniting hope on a day that couldn’t be snuffed out.

“Not only do we keep that brightness all the time, but we grow in our brightness over time,” said Tomer Zilvershtein.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego attended the celebration. She was honored with lighting the menorah.

“The events in Australia were tragic. It does appear it was an intentional act of hate against the Jewish community. We have to condemn that. We have to stop it. And we have to work together to create more understanding,” said Mayor Gallego. “We have to do better as a country.”

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