by Dennis Augustine
Cecile and I were shocked and deeply saddened by the terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney during the first night of Hanukkah. A celebration of light was shattered by hatred and violence. Dozens were injured and sixteen innocent people were murdered including Chabad Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a devoted father of five — one just two months old — killed in cold blood.
As friends and supporters of Rabbi Mendel Weinfeld, Executive Director of Chabad Almaden in San Jose, this tragedy hits close to home. We were blessed to attend the joyful Chabad Hanukkah celebration at Santana Row in 2024 and would have attended again this year had we not been on a family vacation in Maui.
Rabbi Weinfeld made it clear: it is full steam ahead — working closely with law enforcement to ensure safety while continuing to bring light to the world. He echoed Rabbi Schlanger’s powerful belief:
They try to spread fear — we answer with light.
They try to silence us — we respond with mitzvos (good deeds)
They try to bring darkness — we fill the world with the fire of the menorah.
Amidst the darkness, there was courage: Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner and father, reportedly confronted and disarmed one of the attackers — saving lives. The assailants were a father who died on the site and his son who is under custody.
Condolences to the families of the victims who died including a Holocaust surviver. May their memories be a blessing.
Hanukkah Night Turned to Horror We answer hate with light.
