In the shadow of the events in Sydney, a special Chanukah gathering at the Parliament of Melbourne brought together some of the city’s most important leaders, including parliamentarians from across the political spectrum.

The event, held on Tuesday, was organized by Chabad of Melbourne CBD together with the St Kilda Shul, and was attended by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, alongside Opposition Leader Jess Wilson and Supreme Court Justice Ian Waller KC.

“This attack was targeted. It was intentional. It was antisemitic. It was terrorism. People were murdered because they were Jewish,” the Premier told the gathering at State Parliament on Chanukah. “There is no explanation that softens that truth.”

Media personality Peta Credlin from Sky served as MC for the event, engaging the audience throughout the evening.

Justice Ian Waller, a Jew, had the honor of lighting the menorah. St Kilda Rabbi Yaakov Glasman delivered heartfelt remarks, reflecting on the significance of Chanukah, while the shul’s cantor, Brett Kaye, led the crowd in song, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere for all attendees.

“Antisemitism is a cancer, and it cannot be ignored. It cannot be excused, because when it does is, it grows stronger,” Allan said. “But we know that when it is confronted, it can be stopped, and that is our responsibility.”

The Premier acknowledged the community’s grief, noting many attendees personally knew victims of the attack. “I know so many of you here today know people from Sydney who were murdered. They were colleagues, friends, leaders, members of your faith and your community.”

She thanked the organisers for proceeding with the event despite the tragedy. “Continuing that work now in the face of such loss is not easy, but that you have done so speaks to real courage.”

Wilson described the Bondi attack as “one of the darkest days in Australia’s history” and “an unspeakable act of evil, of pure hatred that is crystallised into violence and murder.”

The Opposition Leader, who met with Jewish community leaders at Caulfield Shul on Monday, said their message had been clear. “Words alone are not enough. We need meaningful action to ensure the safety of the community.”

Wilson acknowledged frustration within the Jewish community that warnings about rising antisemitism had gone unheeded, quoting antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal. “I have to say that I’ve been holding my breath, fearing that something like this would happen, because it hasn’t come without warning.”

She argued that increased security alone would not address the underlying problem. “We must be honest with ourselves that antisemitism has become normalised in our country over the last two years,” Wilson said. “Higher walls and more security patrols are not the answer to the fundamental and underlying poison that is antisemitism.”

The Opposition Leader contrasted her own experience attending other religious events without security concerns with the reality facing Jewish Australians:

“Jewish mothers should not have to walk past armed guards to drop their kids off at school. Jewish families should not have to walk past armed guards to simply attend synagogue and pray. This is not an acceptable set of circumstances in Australia in 2025.”

Wilson offered bipartisan support to the government. “I have offered my full support to the Premier and her government in any action they seek to take in response to the act of violence. A strong and decisive response is required now.”

Both leaders invoked the symbolism of Chanukah in their closing remarks.

“As we light the menorah“, the Premier concluded, “we reaffirm our commitment in words and in actions. The Jews in Victoria do not stand alone.” She thanked Rabbi Chaim Herzog for putting this event on.

Wilson pledged to work “toward an Australia where our Jewish community can once again walk in light Proudly”