Hamburg, December 22 – Hundreds of people gathered on Sunday at the Alster in Hamburg to light the Chanukah menorah, an annual symbol of Jewish life in the city. This year’s celebration was held under the somber shadow of the terror attack that occurred in Sydney exactly one week prior.
Menorah Lighting: A Symbol of Resilience
Together with Finance Senator Andreas Dressel (SPD), Hamburg’s State Rabbi Shlomo Bistritzky lit the nine candles on the three-meter-high menorah at the Reesendammbrücke. The ceremony, a traditional part of the Jewish Festival of Lights, took on a deeper meaning this year as participants grappled with recent events.
“Uneasy Feeling” Among Participants
Exactly one week ago, Jewish people had also celebrated Chanukah at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Two attackers murdered 15 of them and injured many more. This antisemitic act of terror continues to deeply affect those present in Hamburg. Some attendees expressed an “uneasy feeling” about participating in the celebration, underscoring the heightened sense of vulnerability. Multiple police vehicles were present at the scene, ensuring security for the event.
Rabbi Bistritzky: “Stand Up Against Hatred”
Rabbi Bistritzky appealed to the community to stand up against hatred. He emphasized that the silent majority must now raise its voice. Kirsten Fehrs, the Evangelical Bishop of Hamburg, also participated in the event, demonstrating her solidarity with the Jewish community during this challenging time.
Finance Senator Dressel warned of the increasing spread of antisemitism, stressing the need for resistance from across society. He also called for Jewish life to be brought back even more strongly into the heart of the city, promoting inclusion and visibility.
Moment of Silence for Bondi Beach Victims
Under strict security measures, thousands of Australians observed a moment of silence for the victims of the attack on the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Premier Albanese announced that the country’s intelligence services would be reviewed in light of the incident, highlighting the global impact and concern following the attack.
Community Response and Future Outlook
The Hamburg Chanukah celebration, while a testament to the resilience of the Jewish community, also served as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Jewish people worldwide. The calls for unity and resistance against antisemitism from both religious and political leaders underscore the importance of collective action in safeguarding diverse communities.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of commitment to fostering understanding and combating hatred, ensuring that such acts of terror do not diminish the spirit of celebration and community.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/juedisches-lichtfest-chanukka-in-hamburg-gedenken-an-bondi-beach,chanukka-118.html
