Chanukkah Events Canceled And Security Tightened Worldwide After Sydney Attack

In the wake of the mass shooting at a Chanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, a similar Chabad event planned in Melbourne has been called off.

According to a message circulated within the community, the Melbourne event was canceled “out of an abundance of caution,” and not due to any specific threat.

At the same time, major cities including Berlin, London, and New York have moved to significantly increase security around Hanukkah gatherings following the attack on the Jewish holiday event in Australia.

In Berlin, police announced heightened security near the Brandenburg Gate, where a large electric menorah is scheduled to be lit for the first night of Hanukkah.

“We have long planned comprehensive security for tonight’s Hanukkah event at the Brandenburg Gate, in light of the events in Sydney, we will further intensify our measures and maintain a strong police presence there,” a police spokesperson said in a post on X.

In the United States, New York City Mayor Eric Adams wrote on X that additional security is being deployed to protect Chanukkah events and synagogues across the city. In Warsaw, armed security at the city’s main synagogue was doubled ahead of its Chanukkah gathering.

London’s Metropolitan Police also confirmed it has bolstered security measures, though officials declined to provide operational details.

“While there is no information to suggest any link between the attack in Sydney and the threat level in London, this morning we are stepping up our police presence, carrying out additional community patrols and engaging with the Jewish community to understand what more we can do in the coming hours and days,” the police said in a statement.

In France, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez instructed local authorities to strengthen security at Jewish institutions throughout the December 14 to 22 period, according to a spokesperson.

The spokesperson said Nunez called for increased deployment of security forces, with heightened vigilance around religious services and large public gatherings, particularly those held in open spaces.