That message carried through the ceremony, with candles lit and voices raised in song. Community members said gathering publicly was a deliberate choice.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Hanukkah celebration at the California State Capitol on Monday blended light, music and reflection as Sacramento’s Jewish community gathered publicly despite a deadly attack during a Hanukkah celebration in Australia.
Chabad of Sacramento lit the menorah on the second night of Hanukkah, a ritual organizers said carried extra emotional weight as mourners overseas grieved. The gathering emphasized resilience and unity, pushing back against fear in the wake of violence.
Rabbi Mendy Cohen of Chabad of Sacramento said the tragedy hit close to home. He knows the rabbi in Australia whose son-in-law was killed.
“It’s very hard to process. Especially if it’s people that you know,” Cohen said. “It’s hard to understand, to bear the pain.”
Cohen said the response to violence is not retreat, but resolve.
“When there’s devastation and darkness, you don’t coward. You stand up and you give more light and you do more. And that’s what pushes away darkness,” he said.
That message carried through the ceremony, with candles lit and voices raised in song. Community members said gathering publicly was a deliberate choice.
“I refuse to back down. If anything, I’m doubling down. These acts of hate, I won’t let them stop me from living my life,” said Pearl “Batya” Koven.
Others acknowledged the challenge of celebrating while grieving.
“It’s a balancing act, that unfortunately I think the community knows well, but we are here to celebrate and enjoy. As well as pray for their healing,” said Joceline Herman of the Jewish Community Relations Council for the Sacramento region.
Mayors of Sacramento and Elk Grove also attended, emphasizing unity and shared humanity.
“This is the time we lean in,” said Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty.
“It is our shared humanity that will guidance us out,” said Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen.
The gathering followed a deadly shooting during a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. Two gunmen opened fire during an event on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing 15 people, including a child.
In a statement, Sacramento police said they are closely monitoring events following the attack and remain in contact with local, state and federal partners.
“As Hanukkah begins and families and communities gather, we are aware of the reported shooting targeting a Jewish community during Hanukkah celebrations in Australia. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected.
The Sacramento Police Department is closely monitoring these recent events and remains in communication with our local, state, and federal partners. At this time, there is no known threat to our area; however, we encourage community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
To help ensure community safety during the holiday, officers will remain available as needed throughout the holiday season.”