A Hanukkah celebration in Guildford, England, intended to bring joy to the local Jewish community, was overshadowed by a tragic terror attack in Sydney, Australia. On December 14, 2025, two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals aged between 10 and 87, with 42 others injured, some critically.
During the event at Guildford’s Guildhall, Rabbi Alex Goldberg addressed the crowd of over 100 attendees while acknowledging the somber context of their gathering. “Tonight, we celebrated Hanukkah by lighting our giant menorah, which will remain illuminated throughout the eight nights of the festival,” he said. “It was a public affirmation of religious freedom and the right to live, gather, and celebrate openly and without fear.”
Rabbi Goldberg expressed that the horrific shooting in Sydney weighed heavily on their hearts as they participated in the celebration. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were murdered, the injured, their families, and the wider Australian Jewish community. Their pain was very present with us as we kindled the lights.”
The menorah lit in Guildford serves as a symbol of pluralism and religious liberty, reflecting the town’s long history of welcoming those fleeing persecution. The Rabbi noted that the festival of Hanukkah itself is a reminder of the importance of religious freedom and the right to conscience. He highlighted Guildford’s legacy as a refuge for Jews escaping hardship, including during significant events such as World War II.
Community Resilience Amidst Tragedy
As the menorah shone brightly, it blended seamlessly into Guildford’s Christmas festivities, sending a powerful message of coexistence among various faiths. Rabbi Goldberg remarked, “Together they send a powerful and deeply moving message: that we coexist; that we live together; and that people of all faiths—and of none—are free to mark their beliefs openly, peacefully, and with dignity.”
Attending the celebration alongside Rabbi Goldberg were prominent figures, including Pedro Wrobel, the Chief Executive of Guildford Borough Council; Julia McShane, the Council Leader; and local Member of Parliament Zoe Franklin. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to community cohesion and the protection of religious and cultural expression.
Rabbi Goldberg emphasized the lesson of Hanukkah, stating, “Chanukah teaches us that light is kindled precisely from within darkness. Today there were those who sought to frighten and divide. Tonight, we responded together: we lit the lights, we ate doughnuts, we sang songs, and we affirmed that fear will not define us.”
The evening concluded with a message of resilience, as the community came together in solidarity, emphasizing that love, pluralism, and respect are fundamental to this season, regardless of one’s faith or belief. The gathering in Guildford served as a poignant reminder of the strength found in unity, especially in the face of adversity.
