Understanding Hanukkah: The Jewish Festival of Lights Targeted in Sydney Terrorist Attack

Hanukkah, commonly referred to as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated as an eight-day Jewish holiday.

At least 15 individuals lost their lives and dozens more were injured when gunmen initiated an attack at a Hanukkah celebration taking place at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday evening. Law enforcement identified one attacker as 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who was fatally shot by police officers.

His son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, sustained injuries and is currently undergoing medical treatment at a hospital, according to New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, who characterized the incident as a "terrorist attack."

The father and son perpetrated the shooting during "Chanukah by the Sea," a Hanukkah festival organized by the local Jewish community. The attack occurred near the beachfront playground and park where families and visitors had gathered to celebrate this important holiday. Rabbi Eli Schlanger was identified as the first victim of this tragic event.

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, spans eight days and typically occurs in late November or December. This Jewish holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE, following the successful Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.

The celebration honors the miracle of the oil: when Jews reclaimed their Temple, they discovered only enough consecrated oil to illuminate the menorah (candelabrum) for a single day, yet it miraculously continued burning for eight full days. For Jewish people, Hanukkah serves as their seasonal celebration in lieu of Christmas.

During Hanukkah celebrations, families light a special nine-branched menorah called a hanukkiah. One additional candle is lit each night until all eight candles (plus the helper candle known as the shamash) are illuminating the darkness.

Families participate in reciting blessings, singing traditional songs, and reading passages connected to the Hanukkah narrative.

Children often engage with dreidels, four-sided spinning tops featuring Hebrew letters, and families typically exchange modest gifts.

Foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts), are traditionally consumed to honor the miracle of the oil.

The "Chanukah by the Sea" event was a public Hanukkah festival organized by Chabad of Bondi to celebrate the commencement of Hanukkah. It was scheduled to take place on Sunday from 5-9 pm Australian time at the Bondi Park Playground on Bondi Beach.

According to a digital flyer, the event aimed to "celebrate Jewish life and the Festival of Lights." Activities included a giant menorah lighting ceremony, complimentary donuts, kosher food options, a special video presentation, 9D cinema experience, a petting farm, face painting stations, Chanukah crafts, and grab-and-go menorah kits.

Designed as a family-friendly community gathering, the celebration offered entertainment and activities for people of "all ages," with proceeds from ticket sales being entirely dedicated to charitable causes.