Chanuka menorahs and memorial displays have been installed this week at four major hospitals across South Western Sydney, offering a visible message of solidarity and support for Jewish doctors, nurses, and hospital staff.

The initiative was supported by Sonia Marshall, Chief Executive of South Western Sydney Local Health District, who attended memorial ceremonies held at Liverpool Hospital, Bankstown–Lidcombe Hospital, and Campbelltown Hospital.

Each hospital now features a Chanuka menorah alongside a memorial display that includes information about the NSW Government’s “One Mitzva for Bondi” initiative, (visit https://nsw.gov.au/onemitzvah) a condolence book, wreaths and flowers, and details of the victims. Visitors are also encouraged to support those affected through http://supportsydney.org

The project was coordinated by Rabbi Chanoch Sufrin of Chabad North Shore, with assistance from Rabbi Mendel Kastel of The Jewish House, Rabbi Yossi Shuchat and Rabbi Chida Levitansky of JEMS, Rabbi Aycee Abrahams and Sorrella Abrahams of The Soul Centre – Chabad Randwick, and Rabbi Danny Yaffe of CBD Chabad.

At each of the three hospitals, the ceremonies included the lighting of a memorial candle and the recitation of Tehilim for the healing of the injured, with particular prayers said for Leibel Lazaroff, Yehuda Leib ben Manya, and Yaakov Zev ben Penina (Yanky Super).

At Liverpool Hospital, approximately 150 people gathered for the memorial ceremony. Dr Miriam Levy addressed attendees, stating, “Bondi showed us what happens when hatred is not taken seriously,” highlighting the importance of confronting hate with unity and responsibility.

The gathering also heard from Rabbi Nochum Schapiro, Director of Chabad North Shore and President of the Rabbinical Association of Australasia, who shared the story of 14-year-old survivor Chaya Dadon, who risked her life to protect two children after their mother was shot. Quoting her words, “I had to do something — that’s what we Jews do,” Rabbi Schapiro emphasised the importance of instilling strong moral values in children, noting the power of bedtime stories to inspire kindness, compassion, and moral courage.

At Bankstown–Lidcombe Hospital, Rabbi Schapiro addressed around 90 attendees, speaking about overcoming hatred with light. He reflected on how a hospital that earlier this year was associated with a deeply troubling incident has now become a place of unity, healing, and hope.

Rabbi Mendel Kastel of The Jewish House spoke at both Liverpool and Bankstown–Lidcombe Hospitals, sharing a deeply personal account of how his family was present at the scene where his brother-in-law was murdered. He described the profound impact the tragedy has had on the wider community and reinforced the message of responding to darkness by increasing light.

At Campbelltown Hospital, approximately 150 people attended as Rabbi Chanoch Sufrin spoke about the late Rabbi Eli Schlanger HY”D and his well-known mitzva Car. Rabbi Sufrin explained that the community must now become that “mitzva Car” — actively spreading light, love, care, and compassion through positive action.

Across all three hospitals, Jewish doctors took the opportunity to put on tefillin, ensuring that even in moments of grief and reflection, mitzvot were performed and spiritual strength was drawn from meaningful action.

Across all locations, attendees were encouraged to participate in the NSW Government’s One Mitzva for Bondi campaign and to support the victims through supportsydney.org.

In addition to the main ceremonies, a smaller memorial has also been established at Camden Hospital, extending the message of remembrance, unity, and hope across the region.

Organisers have confirmed that plans are already underway to continue the displays and ceremonies next Chanuka, with the hope that they will take place in a more joyous and celebratory spirit.