Major cities around the world increased security on Sunday around Hanukkah events following the antisemitic terror attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, where 15 people were killed.
Authorities in Berlin, London and New York said police presence had been reinforced at synagogues, Jewish institutions and public menorah lightings as Jewish communities marked the first night of Hanukkah.
German president at a Hanukkah event
Berlin police said security measures were tightened around the Brandenburg Gate, where a large public menorah lighting was held. While heightened security at Jewish sites is routine in the German capital, police said precautions were further increased in light of the Sydney attack.
“We had already planned extensive security for the Hanukkah event at the Brandenburg Gate, but following the events in Sydney we reinforced the measures even more and will maintain a strong police presence,” a police spokesperson wrote on X.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier made an unannounced appearance at the ceremony, where Israel’s Chief Rabbi Kalman Bar addressed the crowd. Berlin’s chief rabbi, Yehuda Teichtal, said the president’s presence was “deeply heartwarming.” The event also included a prayer in memory of those killed in Sydney.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever also made a surprise appearance at a Hanukkah candle-lighting in Antwerp to show support for the Jewish community. Referring to the Sydney attack, he told attendees, “I saw what happened this morning and said to myself the first thing is to be with you.” He later added in Hebrew, “We are here.”
In New York, Mayor Eric Adams said security forces were deployed around Hanukkah celebrations and synagogues across the city. “We will continue to ensure the Jewish community can celebrate safely, including at public menorah lightings,” Adams said, adding that the city was praying for the wounded and standing united against hatred.
London’s Metropolitan Police said security had also been increased, though officials declined to provide details. “There is no information indicating a link between the Sydney attack and the threat level in London,” police said, adding that patrols and coordination with the Jewish community had been expanded.
In London, a giant menorah was erected, with one of the largest candle-lightings led by Chabad emissary Rabbi Yosef Beitsch and attended by hundreds of Israelis.
In France, large public Hanukkah ceremonies were held near the Eiffel Tower and at the Arc de Triomphe along the Champs-Elysees. “Light overcomes darkness. This is our response,” said Rabbi Menachem Azimov at one of the events.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez instructed local authorities to reinforce security around Jewish sites between December 14 and December 22, covering the duration of the holiday. His office said the move included increased police deployment and heightened vigilance during public prayers and religious events.
In Portugal, Israel’s ambassador Oren Rozenblat and Chabad emissary Rabbi Chaim Strit lit the first Hanukkah candle in Porto. Participants said the ceremony was marked by a strong sense of unity and resilience.