the massacre at Sydney\u2019s Bondi Beach<\/a> that left 15 people dead.<\/p>\n\u201cWe stand united. You did not die in vain. Your flame will continue to burn through our menorah,\u201d said a speaker at a local Hanjukkah celebration.<\/p>\n
Sunday\u2019s Hanukkah celebrations continued as planned in both Cooper City and Fort Lauderdale, with moments of reflection and prayer for those impacted by the antisemitic terrorist attack.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we try to celebrate in happiness the beginning of this festival, let us not forget those who are suffering tonight with their families, their friends at a time when they, too, should be celebrating,\u201d said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.<\/p>\n
The Jewish community came out in droves. Their message was one of strength and pride.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s more important than ever that Jews be more Jewish than ever,\u201d said an attendee at the Fort Lauderdale celebration.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a tragic, terrible thing, and we just have to go on, and we have to celebrate anyway,\u201d said another attendee.<\/p>\n
Further south in Miami Beach, city leaders also condemned the violence.<\/p>\n
:I\u2019m horrified. I\u2019m devastated. It brought tears to my eyes. It\u2019s out of control, the antisemitism,\u201d said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.<\/p>\n
Officials in Miami Beach, like in many other municipalities, said they are ramping up security at synagogues and sacred places.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve definitely \u2013 we\u2019ve implemented our high-risk protocols. We\u2019re going to have extra police visibility around synagogues, Jewish neighborhoods, Hanukkah events that are scheduled. We\u2019re going on,\u201d said Meiner.<\/p>\n
As the Hanukkah celebrations continue in South Florida, local community leaders reiterated their conviction that good will prevail over evil.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope and pray that Jews all over the world, and the whole world together, comes together and does not allow terrorism to scare us or stop us, but on the contrary, we take the message of light over darkness,\u201d said Rabbi Yossi Harlig from the Chabad of Kendall and Pinecrest.<\/p>\n
People honored those who were killed and hurt overseas during what was supposed to be a time of prayer and love.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs soon as you light a candle, the darkness goes away,\u201d said a speaker at a local Hanjukkah celebration.<\/p>\n
While Miami Beach Police said there are no known local threats, they and many other police departments across South Florida are reminding residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.<\/p>\n
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.<\/p>\n
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