Chanukah is a happy holiday where good triumphs over evil, and as the story goes, where the Jewish people fought and finally won to regain their homeland. Their temple was destroyed, but the people gathered there to rejoice, and the oil in the temple’s eternal light that was just enough for one day lasted miraculously for 8 days. Their hope and faith inspires Jews throughout the world to hold fast to their  values and seek light in difficult times. 

And yet, yesterday–while joyously celebrating their first night of Chanukah at an event in Sydney, Jewish lives were once again unspeakably attacked. The rise of antisemitism in Australia has been well documented, as it has been in this country and around the world. This is not who we are. My prayers are with the families and the survivors of this devastating massacre.

Our Jewish friends will light the first candle in the Menorah tonight. They will sing songs and eat latkes as they celebrate the enduring miracle at the heart of this holiday. I hope each candle you light for the next 8 days will brighten your home and bring peace and understanding throughout the world.