Hanukkah

Jews heading to a Hanukkah candle lighting in Istanbul were attacked amid protests and anti Israel slogans, according to footage from the scene.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called on Jews in Europe, Australia, and North America to make aliyah, citing rising antisemitism worldwide during a Hanukkah event in Rishon Lezion.

At the Light Over Darkness: Night of Unity commemoration, each candle was lit by a representative of those who brought light into the world at a dark time.

President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal joined Australians living in Israel, visiting Australians, bereaved relatives, Chabad rabbis, and senior officials for a memorial ceremony in Jerusalem.

With a record deployment of emissaries, the Jewish Agency reinforces Jewish identity, communal resilience, and global solidarity at a critical moment.

Sydney should not be used to shut down legitimate criticism of Israel. But it should end the pretense that antisemitic intimidation, when cloaked in politics, deserves a pass.

The words of the 'Al hanissim' ('for the miracles') prayer that we recited – 'The few against the many… in those days [137-134 BCE] and at this time [Hanukkah]' – held an unmistakable meaning for us.

Still reeling from the horrors of violent fascism and extreme nationalism, humanity has grown enamored of a universal self-conception that denies meaningful differences of race, religion, or culture.

"We will not be afraid if they try to take us down, even on the glorious beaches of Sydney Australia"

This assault was no random act of violence; it was a deliberate terrorist attack on a peaceful Jewish community.