Omaha Jewish community marks start of Hanukkah after attack in Australia
The Omaha Jewish community gathered at Stinson Park on Sunday evening for the annual public menorah lighting to mark the beginning of Hanukkah.This year, there were increased security measures following an antisemitic attack in Australia, law enforcement said.Rabbi Mendel Katzman, co-director of the Chabad of Nebraska, said his cousin, 20-year-old Leibel Lazaroff from Texas, was seriously hurt in the attack. Shani Katzman, also a co-director, said Lazaroff is in critical but stable condition."Unfortunately, you know, we haven't yet conquered all the darkness and all the evil," Shani said. "So we do take security seriously. And of course, we have a lot of faith that God will protect us."Security was taken serious even before the attack, Shani said. Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson said security was increased after the attack.The tradition of lighting the menorah at sunset took on special significance after the attack, as members of the Jewish community braved the cold to attend the event."Sometimes the cold makes it more difficult (to attend)," he said. "This year. It's particularly important to be here, given what happened in Australia. We need to stand up." Warm food and joyous dancing followed moments of mourning."It's been a scary time to be Jewish in the sense that there's a lot of hate in the world and the rise of antisemitism," said Alex Epstein, who attended with his family, including his young sons who enjoyed the menorah's balloon theme. Rabbi Katzman emphasized the importance of unity and resilience, saying, "It's our responsibility not to back down and help everyone, you know, just come together and do the right thing and without any doubt, goodness will prevail."Another Hanukkah event, Skate Night, is scheduled for Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Heartwood Preserve.
