Hundreds gathered last night at Sydney Town Hall for Chanukah in the City, a powerful and deeply moving expression of Jewish resilience, unity, and light at one of the most difficult moments facing the Sydney Jewish community in recent memory.

Originally planned as the 40th annual Giant Menorah lighting in Martin Place, the event was relocated indoors to Sydney Town Hall due to heightened security concerns. The swift transition ensured the safety and dignity of the gathering while allowing this important milestone to proceed.

Chabad Youth NSW expressed heartfelt thanks to Sydney City Council for making Sydney Town Hall available at very short notice and for ensuring that all necessary staff, resources, and security arrangements were in place. Deep appreciation was also extended to the NSW Police Force and the Community Security Group (CSG), who deployed significant personnel to ensure the event ran smoothly and safely.

Holding a public Chanukah celebration at this time was not a simple decision. In the aftermath of the recent terrorist attack at a Chanukah event only kilometres away, many in the community are grieving, fearful, or emotionally overwhelmed. For some, celebration felt out of reach; for others, attending a public Jewish gathering felt unsafe. These realities were acknowledged openly and respectfully.

At the same time, for many families — especially children — the absence of Chanukah celebrations raised painful questions: Why is this Chanukah so different? Why can’t we celebrate? The decision was ultimately made not to cancel, not to retreat, but to adjust and continue with sensitivity, responsibility, and care. As the organizers explained, the event did not proceed in spite of those who have suffered, but because of them. Terror and fear cannot be allowed to extinguish light; the response must be strength, dignity, and continuity of life.

The Menorah was lit with tears — but it was lit. Music was played, and children enjoyed face painting, balloons, and entertainment, allowing them to experience joy rather than fear, and light rather than trauma. Chanukah teaches that we do not reduce light in difficult times — we increase it, adding another candle each night — a message that resonated powerfully throughout the evening.

Hosted by Chabad Youth NSW under the leadership of Rabbi Elimelech Levy, the message to the wider Australian community was clear: each individual can add light through acts of kindness, goodness, courage, and responsibility, helping to strengthen society as a whole.

Rabbi Pinchus Feldman OAM spoke about the fundamental Jewish belief that every human being is created in the image of the Almighty and deserves to live a safe, dignified, and secure life. He shared teachings on survivor’s guilt, recounting how the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that those who remain must not feel guilt, but instead do more to fill the void left by those who are no longer here.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns MP quoted Pirkei Avot: “It is not upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” He spoke about the long journey of repairing society, acknowledging that while the task may not be completed quickly, that is no excuse to stop moving forward with hope and responsibility.

Dr. Orna Triguboff shared a teaching of the Baal Shem Tov, explaining that a broken heart creates more space for Divine light to enter, offering words of comfort and healing to those present and to those unable to attend.

Minister Ron Hoenig MP, the son of a Holocaust survivor, reflected on the painful realization that such violence could happen in Australia. He noted that few imagined it would occur locally and expressed hope that this moment would lead to greater awareness, responsibility, and action to ensure such atrocities are never repeated.

Other dignitaries in attendance included the Right Hon. Clover Moore AO, Lord Mayor of Sydney; the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Federal Member for Sydney; Ms. Allegra Spender MP, Federal Member for Wentworth; and Ms. Kellie Sloane MP, NSW Leader of the Opposition and local member for Vaucluse. A number of City of Sydney councillors also joined the event in solidarity and support.

Rabbi Danni Yaffe of CBD Chabad Sydney encouraged attendees to transform grief into action by visiting onemitzvah.org and committing to a mitzvah in memory of those who have passed, emphasizing that every positive act adds tangible light to the world.

Despite the weight of the moment, the evening also included uplifting musical performances by Noy Ben Ami and Sadya Liberow, with a special feature by Yisroli Feldman, bringing warmth and spirit to the gathering.

The event was generously supported by Sydney City Council, The Harry Triguboff Foundation, and Levy Property Group, ensuring that Chanukah in the City remained free and accessible to all. Attendees enjoyed traditional Chanukah treats including sufganiyot, latkes, spring rolls, drinks, chocolate coins, and other festive foods.

Chabad Youth NSW expressed sincere gratitude to all who chose to attend under such difficult circumstances, sharing the hope that those present felt supported, uplifted, and strengthened — and that the light kindled last night continues to shine far beyond the walls of Sydney Town Hall.

Chanukah reminds us that when darkness grows, light must grow even more.