Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lit the eighth and final candle of Hanukkah in Jerusalem alongside emissaries of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, marking the conclusion of the Jewish festival amid heightened global concern following the deadly attack on a Hanukkah gathering in Sydney, Australia.

Speaking during the ceremony, Netanyahu said the attack at Bondi Beach had failed to break the spirit of the Jewish people. “On the contrary,” he noted, the tragedy had strengthened unity and resolve, drawing Jews closer together across Israel and the diaspora. He emphasized that acts of violence and antisemitism would not deter Jewish communities from openly practicing their faith or celebrating their traditions.

The candle lighting took place just over a week after the Sydney attack, in which worshippers attending a Hanukkah celebration were targeted, prompting international condemnation and renewed calls for stronger action against antisemitism. Chabad emissaries, who serve Jewish communities around the world, have been at the forefront of providing spiritual support and outreach in the aftermath of the attack.

Netanyahu praised the role of Chabad in maintaining Jewish life globally, particularly during times of crisis, describing the movement as a symbol of resilience, continuity, and faith. He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to standing with Jewish communities worldwide and combating antisemitism in all its forms.

The ceremony concluded the eight day Festival of Lights, a celebration commemorating the triumph of faith over persecution and the enduring resilience of the Jewish people messages that leaders said resonate strongly in the current global climate.