Australia shooting: Chicago Jewish community holds menorah car parade for Hanukkah 2025 in wake of mass shooting at Bondi Beach
Chicago's Jewish community is preparing for a menorah car parade on Monday night with the attack in Australia fresh in their minds.
More than 100 cars will leave from the Jewish community center on Touhy around 6:30 p.m. They will parade through several neighborhoods. Organizers say it is more important than ever in the aftermath of the mass shooting in Australia .
The group was busy assembling additional menorahs for the parade on Monday afternoon. A number of community members have reached out, wanting to join their parade, making it the largest group they have had for this event. The additional interest was sparked from the tragic mass shooting in Sydney, Australia over the weekend. They are determined not to run and hide.
"It hurts. It really hurts. But the same hurt, with the same determination, we know we have to double down more. Because we'll never let evil win," said Lubavitch Chabad Rabbi Yosef Moscowitz.
It is very personal for Moscowitz. One of his son's close friends was critically injured in Sunday's shooting in Sydney.
The shooting at a Hanukkah event left 15 people dead and dozens more injured. It also heightened security concerns for Hanukkah celebrations around the world.
"The threat environment we are in right now is incredibly complex, incredibly dynamic," said Michael Masters with the Secure Community Network.
SEE ALSO | CPD elevates presence at Hanukkah celebrations after Australia shooting targeting Jewish community
The Secure Community Network works with law enforcement to help with safety in the Jewish community. They say this is a dangerous time in history, but they are determined to overcome.
"We are going to continue celebrating our holiday and our faith even in the face of individuals and organizations that would try to undermine and attack us," Masters said.
The Illinois Holocaust Center issued a statement, saying, in part, "Violence against any group anywhere is an assault on humanity everywhere."'
Moscowitz says they have added additional security for Monday night's parade.
"The best way to deal with the pain and evil in the world is not to hide in your basement, but to come out publicly and proudly," Moscowitz said.
After the parade, organizers have planned a Hanukkah party. They say they are determined to celebrate and not allow terrorists filled with hate to steal their joy.
READ MORE | What we know about the victims of the Bondi Beach, Australia shooting
