UC Merced celebrates second day of Hanukkah after deadly mass shooting in Australia
Dozens of people gathered at UC Merced's campus to sing, dance, and light the menorah on Monday night.
The Festival of Lights is especially meaningful in the face of darkness on the opposite side of the world, where 15 people were killed and more than 40 others injured on Sunday at Bondi Beach in Australia.
Authorities have described the deadly shooting as an attack on the Jewish community, raising concerns among the local faithful.
"My family and my girlfriend's family, they don't really want us going out to events like this, you know. They're very worried for us," said Chabad Merced organizer Connor McCrory.
McCrory helped organize Monday night's celebration. He said he was disgusted to hear about the attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney.
"I'm very proud to be Jewish but it's very scary to even wear your star of David out in public and associate yourself anymore and it's really sad," said McCrory.
Rabbi Moishe Golomb wanted attendees to remember the good and the true meaning of the eight-day-long celebrations.
"Hanukkah is celebrating a miracle that happened 2,000 years ago. But it's not just about the miracle. It's about learning what we can do today to relive that miracle," said Golomb.
As the event took place in the middle of the university campus, police were nearby to ensure safety was a priority.
"We want to make sure that students that they're all welcomed, that they all belong here on our campus. So, it's important for us to celebrate every religion, every culture," said Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Life & Engagement at UC Merced, Enrique Guzman.
The rabbi is new to Merced, and even in the light of that deadly shooting, he wants the community around him to know the Jewish community is welcoming.
Chabad Merced is a welcoming space. For more on the Chabad, click here .
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