Jewish communities across Chicago gathered Sunday night to mark the first night of Hanukkah under heightened security. The yearly menorah lighting took place during a time of mourning for victims of a deadly anti-Jewish mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, where at least 15 people were killed and 42 wounded. Authorities in Australia described the incident as one of the country’s deadliest shootings in nearly 30 years, despite strict national gun laws. A child was among the victims. Police killed the gunman, and officials say a Syrian Muslim father of two who immigrated to Australia in 2006 helped stop further bloodshed by intervening.
Among the Chicago neighborhoods holding public celebrations were Lakeview and Lincoln Square, with families braving cold temperatures to attend. Many events were organized by Lubavitch Chabad groups and drew dozens of attendees.
Chicago police said they were actively monitoring developments and emphasized that there was no specific threat to events in Chicago. Even so, the department elevated its presence around synagogues, Jewish community centers, and public Hanukkah events throughout the city. Officers were visibly stationed at multiple menorah lightings, and organizers coordinated closely with law enforcement.
In Lincoln Square, organizers said 4th ward Alderman Matt Martin contacted them ahead of the event to discuss security planning. Measures included checking surrounding buildings, securing rooftop access, and maintaining close communication with police. Some events were moved indoors after outdoor menorah lightings concluded.
Jewish leaders across Chicago emphasized that the decision to continue public celebrations was intentional. Faith leaders described Hanukkah as a holiday centered on resilience, light, and perseverance in the face of hatred, themes they said carried added weight in the aftermath of the Sydney attack. The Jewish United Fund and other donors provided emergency security grants to help fund additional precautions ahead of more than 70 menorah lightings across Illinois during the eight-day holiday.
City, state, national, and religious leaders issued statements condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with Jewish communities. Mayor Brandon Johnson said Chicago stands with Jewish residents as they mourn and celebrate. Governor JB Pritzker also issued a statement emphasizing unity and the enduring symbolism of Hanukkah. All 25 Jewish members of the U.S. House of Representatives released a joint statement condemning the violence and warning of rising antisemitism globally. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich condemned the Sydney shooting as well as another mass shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island, calling for prayer and action to address hatred and violence.
Additional public events are scheduled throughout the week, including a Grand Menorah lighting at Daley Plaza, a celebration at Mary Bartelme Park in the West Loop, daily menorah lightings at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie, a car-top menorah parade in Skokie, and a menorah lighting at the Illinois Governor’s Mansion in Springfield.