Hundreds gather for Chanukah celebration at Sydney Town Hall

Hundreds gathered at Sydney Town Hall on Thursday night for Chanukah in the City, a celebration of Jewish resilience and unity in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack.

The event, originally planned as the 40th annual Giant Menorah lighting in Martin Place, was relocated indoors to Sydney Town Hall due to heightened security concerns.

Chabad Youth NSW director Rabbi Elimelech Levy, who hosted the event, said the decision to proceed was made with sensitivity and care.

“Holding a public Chanukah celebration at this time was not a simple decision,” he said in a statement.

“In the aftermath of a tragic terrorist attack at a Chanukah event only kilometres away, many in the community are grieving, fearful, or emotionally overwhelmed. For some, celebration felt out of reach; for others, attending a public Jewish gathering felt unsafe.”

However, the absence of Chanukah celebrations raised painful questions for many families, especially children.

“The decision was made not to cancel, not to retreat — but to adjust and continue, with sensitivity, responsibility, and care,” the statement said.

“We did not proceed in spite of those who have suffered, but because of them. Terror and fear cannot be allowed to extinguish light. Our response must be strength, dignity, and continuity of life.”

Chabad Youth NSW thanked Sydney City Council for making Sydney Town Hall available at short notice, and the NSW Police Force and Community Security Group for ensuring the event ran safely.

Rabbi Pinchus Feldman spoke about the fundamental Jewish belief that every human being is created in the image of God and deserves to live a safe, dignified and secure life.

Feldman shared teachings on survivor’s guilt, recounting how the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that those who remain must not feel guilt, but instead do more to fill the void left by those who are no longer here.

NSW premier Chris Minns quoted Pirkei Avot: “It is not upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”

Minns spoke about the long journey of repairing society, acknowledging that while the task may not be completed quickly, that was no excuse to stop moving forward with hope and responsibility.

Dr Orna Triguboff shared a teaching of the Baal Shem Tov that a broken heart creates more space for Divine light to enter, offering words of comfort and healing.

Local government minister Ron Hoenig, the son of a Holocaust survivor, reflected on the painful realisation that such violence could happen in Australia.

“No one imagined it would come here so the warning signs were not taken seriously,” Hoenig said, expressing hope that the moment would lead to greater awareness, responsibility and action.

Other dignitaries including Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore, federal member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek, federal member for Wentworth Allegra Spender and NSW opposition leader Kellie Sloane echoed messages of unity, resilience and the need for meaningful change.

Rabbi Danni Yaffe of CBD Chabad Sydney encouraged those present to transform grief into action by visiting onemitzvah.org and committing to a mitzvah in memory of those who have passed.

“Each positive act adds tangible light to the world,” Yaffe said.

The evening included musical performances by Noy Ben Ami and Sadya Liberow, with a special feature by Yisroli Feldman. Children enjoyed face painting, balloons and entertainment.

The event was generously supported by Sydney City Council, The Harry Triguboff Foundation and Levy Property Group.

“The Menorah was lit with tears — but it was lit,” organisers said.

“Chanukah teaches that we do not reduce light in difficult times — we increase it, adding another candle each night. That message resonated powerfully throughout the evening.”