Sacramento’s Jewish community gathered at the State Capitol on Monday night for a menorah lighting, which became a moment of mourning after a deadly Hanukkah attack in Sydney killed members of a close-knit Chabad network. Rabbi Mendy Cohen, organizer of the ceremony, said he had spoken with mentors in Bondi before the shooting and later learned a family friend was killed. Despite their grief, the crowd, holding candles against the winter chill, vowed to continue public Hanukkah celebrations.
Cohen, who spent time in Sydney, said Rabbi Shternie Ulman, founder of Chabad of Bondi, was one of his mentors. “I was talking to him an hour before the shooting,” Cohen told KCRA. He described Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a victim, as “full of light,” noting his work with soup kitchens and synagogues. Organizers said local leaders addressed the crowd as attendees balanced mourning with Hanukkah’s message of resilience.
What Happened at Bondi Beach
Australian authorities say a father and son opened fire at a “Chanukah by the Sea” gathering near Bondi Beach on Sunday, killing at least 15 and injuring dozens (Reuters). Police reported that one attacker was shot dead at the scene, while the other was hospitalized in critical condition. Investigators recovered multiple firearms and rudimentary explosive devices. Officials say the Jewish community was the intended target and are treating the incident as terrorism.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger Remembered
Chabad of Bondi identified 41-year-old Rabbi Eli Schlanger as among those killed and described him as a longtime community emissary who organized the Chanukah event, according to Chabad.org. Australian outlets, including ABC News have published tributes to Schlanger and other victims as families begin to grieve. Cohen told the Capitol crowd that Schlanger "organized tens of soup kitchens" and urged everyone to "stand up, do more light, do more kindness," KCRA reported.
Security and Solidarity
Jewish organizations in the U.S. have urged synagogues to boost security, and many communities are holding menorah lightings as acts of defiance, as outlined by JTA. Australian leaders pledged to review gun licensing and safety rules after the massacre, which involved licensed firearms, according to Reuters. Attendees said the Capitol lighting felt more urgent this year, but fear would not stop the community from celebrating.
Cohen closed the ceremony by urging people to bring light to dark places. Organizers asked attendees to pray for the victims’ families and support relief efforts overseas. Sacramento’s Hanukkah events will continue with determination to honor the dead, protect the living, and celebrate publicly.
