Bay Area Hanukkah celebrations begin as Jewish community reflects on mass shotting in Australia
Across the Bay Area, families are marking the first night of Hanukkah with a very somber outlook in light of the mass shooting in Australia.
In San Jose at Santana Row on Sunday night, many gathered to observe one of the most well-known Jewish holidays.
This year's lighting of the first candle on the menorah was marked by sadness in the wake of the deadly attack targeting the Jewish community in Sydney, Australia.
"The main objective of tonight's event: The importance of unity, the importance of lighting the menorah, which represents the victory over light over darkness -- even we have some much darkness around us," said Rabbi Yigal Rosenberg, Director of Jewish Life for the City of Santa Clara.
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"I'm here this evening in solidarity with our Jewish community here and around the world," said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
The San Jose mayor, police chief and other South Bay city leaders are standing together with the Jewish community.
Daniel Onn has a cousin in Sydney.
"He said when he heard about it, he was shocked. He couldn't believe it happened about a mile from where he lives," said Onn.
Tovah Emunah says as a mom, she had to ask herself if she would still take her child to a Hanukkah event after such a terrible thing happened. She says it's important to keep showing up.
"We know this exists and we know we will continue and keep continuing just like we have since the beginning," said Tovah Emunah, a member of Chabad Santa Clara.
In the North Bay, the Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma marked the occasion with a special hot air balloon gelt drop to the delight of children of all ages.
The menorah lighting got underway with an LED robot standing by. The lesson to keep lighting the light prevails. The commitment to stand tall and shine brighter.
In the East Bay, the grand menorah lighting at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek got underway as planned.
Local leaders say they will not cower down, but stand tall and help spread the light in the community.
Community members say they will stand firm - united by their faith, strengthened by their resolve.
They say they won't stop coming to these events and there must be a united effort to stop antisemitism.
It was a somber yet celebratory gathering in San Francisco's Union Square on Sunday for the first night of Hanukkah, as the Bay Area Jewish community grapples in the wake of the deadly attack in Australia.
"I woke up, and I received a text, and I was told to look at the news, it's bad. You're going to be very upset. And of course I looked a bit later, after I had my coffee, and it was really sad news," said Nicolette Lipman.
"I was actually speaking with some Jewish friends who said they didn't want to come to this event, they're scared," said Josh Galant. "Definitely, we're coming at it with we're not scared. We're here to make ourselves seen during the season of light."
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The police presence was strong Sunday evening as hundreds packed in to watch the lighting of the Bill Graham Menorah, named after the legendary Bay Area music promoter and Holocaust survivor.
When asked how the community is able to show up to these kinds of events and not be fearful, Monterey resident Cathrine Winter said, "Well, that's the whole history of Jews, right? We've been persecuted throughout history at any point, so you know it's just continuing to be who we are."
Mayor Daniel Lurie took the stage, along with his father, Rabbi Brian Lurie.
"I'm so honored that you all came out to celebrate and bring some joy to this day, and that's what we're going to do tonight," said Lurie.
"We're happy people, we want to celebrate. We're celebrating this holiday to bring light, bring joy. I think it's beautiful to be right in front of the Christmas tree and all the wreaths in front of Macy's in San Francisco. We're coming together as a community, not just the Jewish people, but all of San Francisco," said Chloe Ardan, San Francisco resident.
The night marked the 50th anniversary of the lighting of the massive menorah, and the mayor marked it by officially declaring it Bill Graham Menorah Day.
