A deadly attack in Sydney was solemnly commemorated in The Hague during a special Hanukkah memorial and solidarity gathering held on Sunday evening, 14 December, at the Peace Palace.
The event was organised by the Centre for Yiddishkeit in The Hague to honour the memory of the 15 victims and to express unity in the face of violence and hatred. Among those remembered was the Assistant Rabi at Chabad of Bondi and key organiser of the event, Rabi Eli Schlanger.
Schlanger recently said “Be more Jewish, act more Jewish and appear more Jewish” Roy Cohen, Chairman of the Centre for Yiddishkeit in The Hague, was also present. The gathering emphasised the symbolic message of Hanukkah — bringing light in times of darkness.
In response to the events at Bondi Beach Australia, security in The Hague was placed on heightened alert. Dozens of attendees assembled around 8:00 p.m. for a Hanukkah service, where prayers were offered and the victims of the Sydney attack were remembered.
The Australian Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Gregory French, attended the memorial and addressed those present, expressing gratitude for the show of solidarity.
“This is a time of great sadness and shock for Australians, and especially for Jewish Australians,” the Ambassador said. “Together we stand strong — in love and solidarity — for our shared values and against hatred and darkness.”
The evening concluded with the singing of traditional Hanukkah songs.
