We are horrified, outraged, and heartbroken by the terrorist assault at a Chanukah celebration in Sydney, Australia, in which at least eleven Jewish attendees were brutally murdered. Our hearts ache for the victims, their families and the entire Jewish community in Australia, who are mourning the precious lives lost in this vicious antisemitic assault. That this attack occurred on a Jewish holiday—at a moment meant for joy, light and togetherness—underscores a devastating truth: too often, hatred seeks us out precisely when we gather to be Jewish, openly and proudly.
And yet—even in our shock and grief—we remain steadfast in our commitment to living vibrant Jewish lives.
Tonight is the first night of Chanukah, a celebration of the enduring brightness and strength of the Jewish people. Chanukah teaches us that light does not wait for darkness to pass—it pushes back against it. It reminds us that Jewish survival has always been fueled by courage, conviction and the decision to show up.
That is why tonight matters.
We call on our community to celebrate Chanukah by coming together at one of our local community gatherings or joining us at the annual Menorah in the D in Campus Martius—not only to celebrate Chanukah, but to make a public statement of Jewish pride, unity and resolve. Our presence matters. Our visibility matters. Each person who celebrates Chanukah tonight becomes a living declaration that we will not be intimidated, silenced or pushed to the margins.
As always, there will be abundant security provided by Jewish Community Security Inc., one of the most robust community security programs in the nation, in partnership with the Detroit Police Department. But nothing will dampen our enthusiasm or deter our determination to come together with friends and family, to celebrate who we are, and to affirm our place in the world.
Like the Maccabees thousands of years ago, we will stand up for our precious heritage and our way of life. We will not hide. We will not retreat. We will respond—as Jews always have—with courage, unity and light.
May the memories of those lost be a blessing. May healing come swiftly to the wounded. And may the lights we kindle tonight carry a powerful message to our community and to the world: the Jewish people endure, and the light of Chanukah will continue to shine.
Brian Hermelin
President
Jewish Federation of Detroit
Michael Berger
President
United Jewish Foundation
Steven Ingber
CEO
Jewish Federation of Detroit