A wave of grief and defiance swept through Canada’s Jewish communities Sunday, shadowed by the horrific news of a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. Fifteen lives were extinguished, and dozens wounded, as gunfire erupted on Bondi Beach, leaving a nation reeling and a global community in mourning.
Rabbi Levi Gansburg of Chabad on Bayview in Toronto, learned of the tragedy with profound shock. He remembered Rabbi Eli Schlanger, one of those killed, as a man defined by unwavering kindness and a dedication to helping others. The two had studied together, and the memory of Schlanger’s warmth remains vivid.
Yet, the pain from Australia arrived amidst a disturbing pattern of antisemitism closer to home. Gansburg’s own community has been targeted, his daughter’s school struck by gunfire, and a nearby synagogue vandalized repeatedly – ten times in the last year and a half. The escalating threats have created a climate of fear.
For Rabbi Joe Kanofsky of Kehillat Shaarei Torah, the Australian attack served as a chilling reminder of the hatred directed towards Jewish people. He and others were “horrified and appalled” by the violence, a sentiment echoed across the country. Despite the fear, Hanukkah celebrations at his synagogue will proceed as planned.
Security will be heightened, a precaution implemented in 2018 following the devastating synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. Both Gansburg and Kanofsky have been in contact with Toronto police, requesting increased protection for their communities. Police confirmed an increased presence as a proactive measure.
In Montreal, Rabbi Lisa Grushcow of Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, believes the timing of the attack was deliberate – a calculated attempt to instill fear during a joyous holiday. The message, she says, was clear: “You’re not safe to celebrate your holiday.”
But the response, she insists, must be resolute. It’s about leaning into Jewish identity, refusing to be deterred, and working with authorities to ensure safety at gatherings. To retreat would be to surrender to the darkness.
Vancouver’s Temple Sholom is also preparing to proceed with its menorah lighting ceremony, despite a surge of concern from parents. Senior Rabbi Dan Moskovitz spent the morning addressing anxieties, acknowledging the fear while emphasizing the community’s resilience. “We are scared but resilient,” he stated.
The need for security isn’t new in Vancouver. A synagogue was deliberately set ablaze last June, and swastikas have appeared on school walls. Moskovitz’s own children have faced violence and hate speech. These incidents underscore a disturbing reality.
Yet, Hanukkah’s message of religious freedom and diversity remains paramount. Moskovitz powerfully stated that the holiday’s light represents a beacon of identity that must continue to shine. “If it is not safe for Jews to light their lamps in society, it’s not safe for anyone.”
Across Canada, Jewish leaders are united in their determination to celebrate Hanukkah, not in spite of the threats, but as a defiant act of faith and resilience. It’s a commitment to light, to community, and to refusing to be silenced by hatred.
National Jewish groups have condemned the attack, calling for urgent action from governments and law enforcement to protect Jewish communities. The sentiment is clear: Canada is not immune, and vigilance is essential.
