By: Jordan Baker

Hanukkah celebrations moved forward across New York City on Sunday night, as Jewish New Yorkers gathered publicly to mark the start of the Festival of Lights despite the shock and grief following a deadly antisemitic terror attack overseas, as amNY reported.

Menorah lightings and community events took place throughout the five boroughs just one day after a targeted attack struck a Jewish celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Dec. 14. At least 16 people were killed and many others injured in the assault, casting a somber shadow over the first night of the holiday, amNY reported.

Still, crowds turned out for New York City’s annual public menorah lighting, including the high-profile ceremony at Grand Army Plaza, where attendees said their presence was both an act of faith and defiance, according to amNY.

Among those attending was Aly Singhthakur, who traveled from Tennessee to be part of the celebration. She admitted that safety briefly crossed her mind and that she considered observing from a distance, but ultimately chose to join the crowd, amNY reported.

Singhthakur described the Sydney attack as heartbreaking but said fear could not be allowed to dictate how people live their lives. She explained that retreating indoors would only give extremists what they want. Instead, she said, showing up publicly sends a message of resilience, pride, and unity — values she believes are central to Hanukkah, according to amNY.

Other attendees echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the long history of Jewish perseverance in the face of hatred. Rebecca Carroll, who also attended the Grand Army Plaza lighting, spoke about the enduring resilience of the Jewish people, amNY reported.

Carroll said Jewish tradition teaches believers not to live in fear, even in moments of tragedy. While acknowledging the pain caused by violent antisemitism, she stressed the importance of refusing to let evil dominate daily life or religious expression, according to amNY.

Not everyone attending felt completely at ease, however. A woman named Sarah told amNY that while she planned to continue participating in public Hanukkah events, she intended to be more cautious. She said she would remain on the outskirts of the crowd to ensure she could leave quickly if necessary.

Sarah explained that celebrating Judaism in public now comes with heightened awareness, even if she does not feel paralyzed by fear. She described her approach as practical rather than panicked, noting that vigilance has become part of attending large gatherings, amNY reported.

Others were more resolute. Sofya Reyfman said she refused to let an attack thousands of miles away deter her from celebrating Hanukkah openly. Having emigrated from Russia more than three decades ago, Reyfman told amNY she is no stranger to antisemitism and refuses to live in fear because of it.

Reyfman said she had no hesitation about attending the menorah lighting and described the events in Sydney as deeply tragic.