JEWISHcolorado Response to the Terrorist Attack in Australia

To our Colorado Jewish Community,

With broken hearts, we at JEWISHcolorado mourn the brutal murder of 11 people at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

This horrific act of violence was a deliberate act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community as they gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. It must be named clearly and unequivocally as antisemitism. This is the deadliest attack on Jews in the Diaspora since the October 27, 2018, massacre at the Tree of Life building in Pittsburgh.

Hanukkah is among the most visible and beloved of Jewish celebrations—a time when we publicly share our light and affirm the enduring strength of the Jewish people. Its story, led by the Maccabees, is one of courage, faith, and resilience in the face of oppression. That Jews were targeted while observing this sacred moment is devastating and deeply painful.

We grieve the lives taken, extend our heartfelt condolences to the families in mourning, and pray for a full and speedy recovery for all who were injured. We are especially heartbroken by the loss of Chabad shaliach Rabbi Eli Schlanger, z”l, whose dedication and leadership touched so many lives.

In response to this attack, and out of an abundance of care for our community, JEWISHcolorado—part of the Jewish Federations of North America—together with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Secure Community Network (SCN), urgently calls upon all Jewish organizations planning events in the coming days to strengthen security measures immediately:

1. Coordinate closely with local law enforcement and SCN
2. Extend security perimeters around facilities and events as broadly as possible
3. Limit attendance to identifiable individuals and pre-screened invitation lists
4. For any event open to the public, require advance registration and verification
5. Share event details only after registration has been confirmed
6. Maintain strict access control so only confirmed attendees may enter
7. Remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious activity without hesitation
8. Where possible, add armed on-duty or off-duty law enforcement, private security, and/or trained volunteer teams

The Community Guide for Event Security provides practical, checklist-based steps to help organizers assess risk and enhance safety. For direct support and consultation, please contact Kevin Farrington or Brian Maloney of the Regional Safety & Security Initiative at JEWISHcolorado. This initiative is conducted in partnership with the ADL and is generously supported by the Rose Community Foundation and the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Colorado.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and share timely information as it becomes available. Even in moments of deep sorrow and fear, we remain steadfast. We will continue to gather, to pray, to celebrate, and to live openly as Jews—protecting one another while carrying our traditions forward with courage and care.

May the memories of those lost be a blessing, and may the light of Hanukkah bring comfort and strength to our entire community.

Renée Rockford
President & CEO

Ben Lusher
Board Chair

Jonathan Perlmutter
Safety & Security Committee Chair