Hundreds gathered Wednesday night in Sanborn Square in downtown Boca Raton to mark the fourth night of Hanukkah, blending celebration with solemn remembrance following the deadly antisemitic attack in Sydney, Australia.
The annual public menorah lighting drew one of its largest crowds to date as attendees paused to pray for the 15 people killed and dozens wounded in the Bondi Beach shooting, which occurred on the first night of Hanukkah. Community members spoke of grief, resilience, and the power of unity in the face of hatred.
“Light does outshine darkness,” said Boca Raton resident Claire Collins. “Coming together like this shows who we are.”
For Rabbi Ruvi New of Boca Beach Chabad, the tragedy struck close to home. Two of his cousins, ages 10 and 20, were injured in the attack, with the older cousin still hospitalized. Rabbi New also mourned the loss of close friend Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was killed while confronting the attacker.
“He lived with a heart full of love,” Rabbi New said. “This loss is devastating for the Jewish world.”
As candles were lit, Rabbi New emphasized the importance of public Jewish pride and unity. “We are not intimidated,” he said. “We respond to darkness with light, love, and life.”
Security was heightened during the event, with police officers and K-9 units present to ensure safety.
Harlan Kilstein has been a Boca Resident since 1997. He know the ins and out of Boca
