JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville’s Jewish Community Alliance (JCA) gathered Monday night to celebrate the second night of Hanukkah, known as the Festival of Lights. The event took on added significance following a deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia.
At least 15 people were killed, and dozens were injured in the attack, which has prompted increased security measures at Hanukkah events worldwide.
The large menorah, called a Chanukkiah, was lit as part of the JCA’s Hanukkah extravaganza. The shooting in Australia led to a stronger law enforcement presence at the Jacksonville event, but hundreds still came out to celebrate.
For Marjie Rogozinski, attending the JCA’s celebration with her family was especially important.
“The Jewish people will always, always stand up to adversity and we are a shining light,” she said. “In darkness we will always be bright, especially with everything that’s happened.”
Adam Chaskin, CEO of the JCA, said the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office was already involved in security planning but quickly increased measures after the news of the shooting. He shared Hanukkah is a time to confront bigotry and hate.
“We certainly are grieving for the people who passed away in Australia and also other tragic events that have happened, both locally and internationally, involving Jew hatred and other forms of hatred,” Chaskin said. “All forms of hate need to stop. As we know, when one form of hatred and one group of people are targeted, other groups wind up being targeted similarly.”
Nicole Brown, board chair of the Jewish Community Alliance, also took part in the festivities.
“It means a lot to see everybody come together to celebrate the miracles that is Hanukkah and to spend time with their friends, family,” Brown said. “It’s nice to see so many of our friends from the community, not just Jewish friends, but the entire community.”
Rogozinski shared that celebrating the holiday was a way to show her grandchildren that the Jewish community endures.
“We always go through bad times, but you know what, with what we teach our values, and not only to the Jewish people, but to others, we set an example to always face adversity and be positive,” she said.
For Brown, continuing to celebrate Hanukkah despite the attack in Australia meant standing up to hatred.
“It’s important for us to stand together and to be more proud of our Jewishness and to really let that shine through and not let hate win,” Brown said. “Our love and our religion will be stronger than any hate could ever be.”
The JCA will continue lighting the Chanukkiah for the next six nights at around 5:45 p.m.
Chabad of Jacksonville will mark the third night of Hanukkah on Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at the St. Johns Town Center.