Last night, hundreds gathered at Sydney Town Hall for Chanukah in the City, a powerful and deeply moving celebration of Jewish resilience, unity, and light during one of the most challenging moments facing Australia and the Sydney Jewish community in recent memory.
Originally planned as the 40th annual Giant Menorah lighting in Martin Place, the event was relocated indoors to Sydney Town Hall due to heightened security concerns. The swift transition ensured the safety and dignity of the gathering while allowing this important milestone to proceed.
Chabad Youth NSW extends its heartfelt thanks to Sydney City Council for making Sydney Town Hall available at very short notice, and for ensuring that all necessary staff, resources, and security arrangements were in place. Deep appreciation is also extended to the NSW Police Force and the Community Security Group (CSG), who deployed significant personnel to ensure the event ran smoothly and safely.
Holding a public Chanukah celebration at this time was not a simple decision. 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.
These realities were acknowledged openly and respectfully.
Yet for many families — especially children — the absence of Chanukah celebrations raised painful questions: Why is this Chanukah so different? Why can’t we celebrate?
The decision was made not to cancel, not to retreat — but to adjust and continue, with sensitivity, responsibility, and care.
As organisers expressed, 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.
The Menorah was lit with tears — but it was lit.
Music was played. Children enjoyed face painting, balloons, and entertainment, so they could experience joy rather than fear, light rather than trauma.
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.
Hosted by Chabad Youth NSW, under the leadership of Rabbi Elimelech Levy, the message to the wider Australian community was clear: each individual can add light through acts of kindness, goodness, courage, and responsibility, helping to strengthen society as a whole.
Rabbi Pinchus Feldman OAM spoke about the fundamental Jewish belief that every human being is created in the image of the Almighty and how everyone deserves to live a safe, dignified, and secure life. He shared teachings and comfort 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.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns MP quoted Pirkei Avot (Ethics of Our Fathers):
“It is not upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”
He spoke about the long journey of repairing society — acknowledging that while the task may not be completed quickly, that is 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 to those present and those unable to attend.
Minister Ron Hoenig MP, 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 and expressed hope that this moment would lead to greater awareness, responsibility, and action to ensure such atrocities are never repeated.
Other dignitaries, including, The Right Hon. Clover Moore AO, Lord Mayor of Sydney, The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Federal Member for Sydney, Ms Allegra Spender MP, Federal Member for Wentworth, Ms Kellie Sloane MP, NSW Leader of the Opposition and local state member for Vaucluse each echoed messages of unity, resilience, and the need for meaningful change in Australian society.
A number of City of Sydney Councillors also joined the event in solidarity and support
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, emphasising that each positive act adds tangible light to the world.
Despite the weight of the moment, the evening also included uplifting musical performances by Noy Ben Ami and Sadya Liberow, with a special feature by Yisroli Feldman, bringing warmth and spirit to the gathering.
The event was generously supported by Sydney City Council, The Harry Triguboff Foundation, and Levy Property Group, enabling Chanukah in the City to remain free and accessible to all.
Attendees enjoyed traditional Chanukah treats including sufganiyot (jam doughnuts), latkes, spring rolls, drinks, chocolate coins, and other festive foods.
Chabad Youth NSW extends its sincere gratitude to all who chose to attend under such difficult circumstances. It is our hope that those present felt supported, uplifted, and strengthened — and that the light kindled last night continues to shine far beyond the walls of Sydney Town Hall.
Chanukah reminds us: when darkness grows, light must grow even more.
I was at that party many years ago. Love it!!