Hanukkah Celebrations in Tel Aviv
In Tel Aviv, Israel, Hanukkah celebrations, including a public menorah lighting at Habima Square, have proceeded amidst concerns following a recent attack in Australia. Rabbi Shaul Reizes conducted the lighting ceremony for a large menorah, an annual practice by the Orthodox Jewish Chabad movement globally.
This year marks the first instance of large-scale public Hanukkah activities in Tel Aviv since the COVID-19 pandemic and events commencing on October 7, 2023. Alice Eldar, a resident, expressed satisfaction regarding the resumption of public ceremonies and traditional holiday practices, such as purchasing sufganiyot.
Impact of Bondi Beach Incident
The festive atmosphere in Israel has been affected by a shooting incident that occurred on Sunday in Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia. The article reports that two individuals opened fire, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 people, including a 10-year-old girl and a Holocaust survivor.
Rabbi Reizes stated that the actions of the assailants in Sydney would not deter their mission to "bring more lights to the world."
Concerns Regarding Antisemitism
The attack has contributed to increased discussions about antisemitism. Alice Eldar noted a rise in "antisemitic attacks and this sentiment of intense hatred of Jewish people."
Globally, Jewish communities, including those in Australia and the United States, have reported heightened feelings of vulnerability despite increased security measures at institutions. In contrast, some individuals in Israel, where Jews constitute the majority, expressed a perception of greater safety within the country, noting the absence of armed guards at public menorah lighting sites.
The incident in Bondi Beach, which reportedly left two police officers among 40 injured, has influenced perceptions of Australia. Raz Kahlon, 28, stated that his previous aspirations to travel to Australia for its beach culture have been diminished following news of the shooting.
Community Response and Perspectives
A vigil was held at 10 p.m. on Tel Aviv's Frishman Beach to commemorate the victims of the Australian shooting. Attendees, including English speakers, lit memorial candles arranged in the shape of a Star of David and engaged in a prayer for peace.
Ben Freeman, an individual from Melbourne now residing in Israel, indicated he had experienced antisemitism in Australia. He reported that a rise in threats and violence against Jewish individuals and institutions in Australia, particularly following events on October 7, led to his decision to relocate to Israel. Freeman stated his motivation was to be in a country where he "wouldn't have to explain myself" and "could be free."
Freeman aligned with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's earlier statements criticizing the Australian government. Netanyahu had asserted that Australia's government "did nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia" and that its decision to recognize a Palestinian state "pours fuel on the antisemitic fire." Freeman characterized the Australian government's response to the October 7 events as "disappointing" and stated that "the blood is on their hands."
Eli Parkes, who moved to Israel ten years ago, highlighted that many members of the Australian Jewish community are descendants of Holocaust survivors who sought refuge from "the antisemitism of the Old World" in Australia. He remarked that the past few years have challenged the perception that they were "blessed Jews who didn't have to deal with all that."