To my beloved Naples community and friends around the world,
We’re shaken and in pain after the horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach in Australia. The very moment the Jewish community was preparing to celebrate the first night of Chanukah with a public menorah lighting. Innocent lives were taken, including a colleague and a fellow Chabad rabbi, Rabbi Eli Schlanger hy”d, with whom I spent four days together right after October 7th when we went to Israel, along with others, and many more were injured. My prayers are with his family, his loved ones, and all those whose lives are forever changed by this tragedy.
This was an attack on Jews, on faith, and on life itself. But we will not cower, we will not hide, we will not stop living proudly as Jews.
As we enter the holiday of Chanukah tonight, we’re reminded of its core message: a small amount of light dispels a great deal of darkness. We must continue to illuminate, to shine, to spread more light, the Torah, mitzvahs, and public expression of Jewish pride.
The world needs more light. The world needs more Jews willing to celebrate their faith and heritage fearlessly. The world needs our amazing non-Jewish friends to come out and stand with us at our Chanukah celebration as we light Menorahs, play Dreidel and eat Latkes.
We will continue to gather. We will continue to light menorahs in public. We will continue to stand strong, united, and unafraid. Our hearts are broken as we mourn our colleague and other victims of this brutal attack. We pray for the complete healing of the injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the entire Jewish community of Australia.
Now is the time to stand up, stand together, and be seen. We urge every member of our community to join us in person at our Grand Chanukah Festival today - showing that we will not be intimidated, that Jewish life will not be pushed aside, and that the light of Chanukah will shine openly and proudly for all to see.
May the light of Chanukah shine brighter than ever.
Happy Hanukkah.
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos