Richmond Jewish community, city leaders come together after devastating mass shooting in Sydney

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond leaders gathered at City Hall on Monday to light a menorah in observance of the third night of Hanukkah -- a celebration marked by both joy and reflection following a deadly shooting at a Hanukkah event in Australia.

The annual menorah lighting brought together Richmond Mayor Danny Avula, Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, Police Chief Rick Edwards and members of the Jewish community on Monday, Dec. 15.

While the ceremony included prayer, song and tradition, speakers acknowledged Sunday’s targeted mass shooting in Sydney, Australia that left at least 15 people dead.

"In light of yesterday’s horrific shooting in Australia, the attack on the Jewish community there at the Hanukkah by the Sea event -- I feel like this sits in a different context," Avula said.

Dec. 15 menorah lighting ceremony in Richmond. (Photo: Sara Molina/8News)

According to police, two men opened fire during a Hanukkah ceremony at Bondi Beach on Sunday, Dec. 14. The victims included a 12-year-old child, a Holocaust survivor and two rabbis.

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"We will stand for people of all faiths being welcome here in City Hall and in our city, here in Richmond," Avula said.

Rabbi Dovid Asher of Keneseth Beth Israel Synagogue said the tragedy felt personal to everyone.

"Even though it’s halfway around the world, it feels like it’s right next door," Asher said. "Because it’s on your phone and it’s in your pocket, and your mind just goes to Australia."

Asher said the Jewish community has endured a difficult period globally, noting that attacks often occur during significant religious holidays.

"The worst attack in modern times on Oct. 7 was on a holiday, this was also on a holiday," Asher said. "And it seems as if our enemies, who don’t want us to observe our heritage, know it’s a holiday."

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He added that the timing of the attack serves as a reminder of the resilience the Jewish community continues to demonstrate.

That message was echoed by other community leaders, including Sam Richardson with the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

"Nobody was shocked or really surprised, but it really is just a statement -- a grief that we are still fighting for our existence," Richardson said.

Despite the tragedy, community leaders say coming together remains essential. Rabbi Asher said Keneseth Beth Israel Synagogue will still hold a Hanukkah celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 16.