Metro Atlanta Jewish community celebrate Hanukkah, react to Sydney attack

Metro Atlanta’s Jewish community gathered Sunday to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah in the wake of the mass shooting in Sydney, Australia. 

The deadly attack at Bondi Beach killed at least 15 people, the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the country’s history. Authorities have declared the attack an act of terrorism and was carried out by a father and son targeting the Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration.

Rabbi Hirshy Minkowick of Chabad of North Fulton told Atlanta News First that he knew one of the rabbis who was killed in the shooting.

“He was a very energetic, upbeat, happy guy who spent his entire life trying to help people connect with their faith in a meaningful way. Unfortunately, he paid with his life,” Minkowick said. “It’s been difficult. I have to dig a little deeper to find the strength to come together for a festive celebration.”

Georgia state Rep. Esther Panitch, the state’s only Jewish legislator, spoke with Atlanta News First at a celebration Sunday.

“We know that we are not hiding. We’re going to stand up, and we’re going to fight back. Imagine any community being attacked for who they are. It’s okay to be scared, but it’s not okay to be paralyzed and stop moving,” Panitch said.

The community in Avalon began the Jewish Festival of Lights by lighting the first candle of the menorah Sunday, and leaders called for strength and unity in the aftermath of the shooting.

“This is not a jewish issue, it’s a human issue,” Minkowick said. “Every human being, wherever they live, anywhere in the world, needs to know they can freely express and live their religion. That’s why we are holding this event tonight, even though it’s difficult. Every person, Jew and non-Jew alike, should stand up for freedom, against hate, against terror, against evil. This is not for one denomination or one religion; it’s for the entire world. We all deserve the freedom to live our lives as we choose,” Minkowick told Atlanta News First.