Public Hanukkah celebrations across New York carried extra weight this week, as Jewish New Yorkers gathered for menorah lightings and vigils in the shadow of the mass shooting at a beachside Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia. Australian authorities say the attack is being investigated as terrorism and was inspired by Islamic State ideology.
In New York, the response has been a mix of grief, visible solidarity, and heightened safety measures. City officials and organizers urged residents not to retreat from public observance, while the NYPD rolled out additional patrols and specialized deployments around Jewish institutions and holiday events.
“More light,” even in fear
At menorah lightings across the five boroughs, many attendees said showing up in public felt like the point this year: to affirm identity, community, and continuity after an attack that targeted Jews as they celebrated the start of Hanukkah.
At a first-night gathering in Carl Schurz Park near Gracie Mansion, New York Jewish Week reported that some participants admitted they were anxious, yet came anyway after community leaders encouraged public turnout. The event was supported by multiple Jewish organizations and featured an evident security presence at the perimeter.
NYPD: No credible threats, but “all available resources” deployed
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has said there are no credible threats to Hanukkah events in the city, but the NYPD is increasing security “out of an abundance of caution.” According to Gothamist, deployments include enhanced uniformed presence, specialized patrols, heavy weapons teams, counterterrorism resources, and bomb squad deployments where appropriate.
ABC7 reported similar measures, noting stepped-up security outside synagogues and Hebrew schools, including prominent locations like Temple Emanu-El, as well as at major public menorah sites.
Mayor Eric Adams also framed the city’s approach as protecting New Yorkers’ right to celebrate openly, while city leaders used the moment to condemn antisemitic violence and emphasize public resilience.
City leaders call for unity and visible support
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine described the first-night gatherings as both communal mourning and a “show of defiance,” telling City & State that many people were understandably nervous, but turnout was strong as communities chose to be together rather than “go into hiding.”
Broader call: stronger security planning at public events
Nationally, Jewish security organizations have urged communities to tighten event protocols in the wake of the Sydney attack, including access controls and other safety measures, while still encouraging public celebration rather than withdrawal.
