The first candle of Hanukkah was lit Sunday night on the world’s largest menorah at Grand Army Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, as hundreds gathered to mark the start of the Jewish Festival of Lights under the shadow of a deadly antisemitic attack overseas.
The celebration took on a somber tone as attendees reflected on the victims of a Hanukkah attack in Sydney, Australia, earlier in the day.
What You Need To Know
The first night of Hanukkah was marked at the world’s largest menorah in Midtown Manhattan
The ceremony was dedicated to victims of a deadly Hanukkah attack in Sydney, Australia
City leaders condemned the violence and pledged increased security at Jewish events
Police say there are no credible threats in New York City, but patrols will be stepped up
“For those of you who saw the news this morning, I don’t have any words to say the pain is beyond description, but let us begin by thanking the Almighty for being here and being alive,” said one speaker at the lighting event.
Organizers said the menorah lighting was dedicated to the victims of the attack, drawing New Yorkers and visitors who said they wanted to stand in solidarity.
“Sense of community sometimes when you feel kind of alone it’s been very hard for the Jewish community over the last couple years, over the last couple thousand years and just coming out you feel part of a community,” said Max, who attended the ceremony.
“Just feeling very heart sore for this very special Rabbi and all the victims,” said Zelicia.
Elsewhere in the city, the tragedy hit particularly close to home. At a menorah lighting in Forest Hills, Queens, NY1 spoke with Rabbi Mendy Hecht, whose cousin was among those killed in the Sydney attack.
“At first I heard that people were killed in a Hanukkah event, and then low and behold it happened to be one of the people of our Chabad emissaries, one of our affiliates in Sydney, Australia,” Hecht said. “It happens to be that I am a native of Australia, so it hits home even more. And especially that it happens to be a cousin as well. So, for many reasons. He happens to be 40 years old, I am 40 years old. A lot of things over here really gave me a shock. It wasn’t easy to hear, it’s not easy to hear. But were not about to be deterred and we’re not about to be depressed.”
City leaders addressed the attack during a Hanukkah safety briefing Sunday afternoon.
Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the violence and pledged continued security at Jewish events across the city.
“I want to be clear this was a deliberate act of violence against Jews celebrating their faith. Our hearts are with the victims and their families and Jewish communities here and around the world,” Tisch said.
“As human beings we cannot just turn down the temperature of hate, that is not enough. We must shut it off completely. Here in New York City, we must call out hate, without fear and without apology,” Adams said.
Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani also condemned the attack in a statement.
“The attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney today was a vile act of antisemitic terror. I mourn those who were murdered and will be keeping their families, the Jewish community, and the Chabad movement in my prayers. May the memories of all those killed be a blessing,” Mamdani said.
Despite the grief, many said they were determined to continue celebrating Hanukkah in the days ahead.
“To let all the terrorists know we are alive, we are here celebrating Hanukkah, nothing will stop us,” Zelicia said.
Tisch said there are no credible threats to Jewish sites in New York City but noted that a robust police presence had already been planned for Hanukkah celebrations and will be increased further in response to the attack in Australia.