“This connection is felt deeply by our community, even as our grief is shared with the global Jewish and Chabad family.”
In light of the attack, the Chabad movement has urged Jews across the UK “not to withdraw or hide, but to come out, stand together, and attend Chanukah lightings gatherings and events in towns and cities throughout the country. Every public menorah lit, every Jewish gathering attended, is a declaration that terror will not silence Jewish life.
“Chanukah teaches that darkness is not answered with fear, but with light — the real light of the menorah, Torah and mitzvot, and Jewish life lived openly and proudly. The response to terror is not retreat, but resolve.
“We urge everyone to add at least one additional Chanukah celebration to their original plans, in the merit of those murdered and wounded.”
Chabad confirmed that all public Chanukah-related events taking place across the UK will be implementing enhanced security measures. “[We are] working closely with local police, the CST, and relevant authorities to safeguard our communities,” it said.
Chabad UK stated the attack was “not an attack on ‘values’ in the abstract. It was an act of murderous antisemitism. Those present were targeted for one reason alone: because they were Jews, gathered openly to light the menorah and celebrate Chanukah.”
People cross a street next to police vehicles after a shooting attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, December 14, 2025 (Credit: DAVID GRAY / AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty Images
The movement extended its “heartfelt nichumim to [Rabbi Schlanger’s] parents and family, Rabbi and Mrs Binyomin Schalnger, former members of the Chabad community in London. May Hashem comfort them among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”
Last year, after a menorah was lit at a similar public event, the Rabbi Shclanger posted a photo of the menorah with the caption, “The best response to antisemitism.”
Chabad Islington is one of several Chabad communities to call on individuals from across the borough to join for a public menorah lighting ceremony this afternoon in an act of solidarity.
Writing to the Islington Hate Crime Forum this morning, rabbi of Islington Chabad, Mendy Korer, asked for an invitation to be sent out “to all communities across our borough” to join for their flagship menorah lighting ceremony later today.
It would be, he said, “a sign of solidarity and support, and we will not let world events impact our diversity. Islington is our home.”
