TRAVERSE CITY — A terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney during Hanukkah celebrations has left at least 15 people dead.
The attack occurred as hundreds gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, casting a shadow over the festival of light.
Rabbi Laibel Shemtov, leader of the Traverse City Jewish Community Center, lost two colleagues in the attack and has urged the community to come together in the face of tragedy.
Rabbi Shemtov expressed the community’s sadness and shock but emphasized the importance of shifting the mood to celebrate Hanukkah.
“Right now, sad. We’re still in shock, but the mood has to shift,” he said. “Your inner pain could be paining. No, you can’t. You can’t take away pain. And that’s going to always be there. But you need to buy the menorah lighting will obviously mention and say a prayer for those who are still sick. But then we’re going straight into a festive event as much as possible.”
Shemtov emphasized the importance of acknowledging the pain while still moving forward with the celebration.
The Traverse City Jewish Community Center is hosting a menorah lighting ceremony at Rotary Square on Sunday night, the eighth and final night of Hanukkah, at 5 p.m.
The event is open to the public and will feature donuts, hot cider, and a live DJ.