Green Party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick was repeatedly named by speakers unhappy with what they see as political inaction.
Speakers also criticised academics, union leaders, and the media.
One speaker read out the names of the Bondi massacre victims as the crowd bowed their heads.
The crowd was receptive and largely remained silent during the speeches, other than a few calls.
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour was standing among protesters as they listened to speeches that have been sharply critical of the Government’s response to rising anti-Semitism. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
New Zealand Jewish Council president Juliet Moses told the rally that for more than two years, Jews worldwide had faced “marginalisation, harassment, intimidation, threats, discrimination, arson, vandalism, doxing, boycotts, sexual violence, assaults, and murder”, often dressed up as social justice or humanitarian concern.
“The war on the Jewish people is always at heart, a war on history, on ideas, on truth, and on freedom itself,” she said.
“Jews flourish in free societies, and when they struggle, when they are shunned and imperilled, it is a sign that society is decaying.”
“Hanukkah is the celebration of light over darkness, and that’s the kaupapa of our event,” organiser Lucy Rogers told the Herald on Thursday.
“New Zealand is now a country which posts armed police outside Jewish schools and synagogues to keep them safe.
“This cannot become the new normal. We must draw a line in the sand.”
Australian authorities say two gunmen, Sajid and Naveed Akram, opened fire on families celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, in one of the country’s deadliest shootings in decades.
In response, New Zealand police have increased patrols and enhanced security at Jewish sites nationwide.
Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.