At least 11 people were killed after multiple shots were fired at Australia’s Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday, December 14, during an event for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, Reuters reported, citing Australian police. While Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the shooting on Sydney’s Bondi Beach as “shocking and disheartening”, Israeli leaders criticized the Australian government for failing to heed warnings about anti-Semitism.
Here is a brief explanation of what Hanukkah is and why it is significant.
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah – also spelled Hanukkah – is a Jewish holiday known as the “Festival of Lights”. It is observed for eight nights during which families and friends gather to light candles on the menorah and add one candle each night.
The word Hanukkah means “consecration” in Hebrew. The festival commemorates an event in the 2nd century BC when Jewish warriors reclaimed the Temple of Jerusalem after it was taken over by foreign rulers and then rededicated it.
According to tradition, only a very small amount of pure oil was found in the Temple to light the menorah. Although it was supposed to last only one day, the flame burned for the next eight days. We commemorate this miracle by lighting candles at night and eating foods cooked in oil, such as potato pancakes known as latkes.
Hanukkah this year began at sundown on Sunday, December 14th and ends after dark on Monday, December 22nd.
How is Hanukkah celebrated?
The menorah is lit in every home and is traditionally placed where it can be seen from the outside, such as on a front door or window sill, to symbolize the spreading of God’s light to all nations.
The lighting of menorahs in city streets and parks has become more prominent in countries around the world in recent years, including in front of public monuments.
In addition to lighting the menorah, for many, donations to charity and social work are part of the celebration, reflecting the belief that the Jewish people are called by God to help improve the world for all.
Bondi Beach shooting
Two people have been taken into police custody, with the police operation ongoing. Chilling videos show blood splattering at the scene, people rushing to safety and fleeing the beach. Thirteen people were taken to hospital after the horrific shooting, a New South Wales ambulance spokesman confirmed, according to a Reuters report.
