Standing in Solidarity With the Australian Jewish Community and the People of Sydney

With broken hearts and profound sadness, we mourn the brutal and deliberate murder of 11 people, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger, at a Chabad Chanukah gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. This was not an act of random violence. This was an intentional attack targeting Jews at a Jewish holiday celebration. We hold the victims, the injured, and their families in our hearts and stand in unwavering solidarity with the Australian Jewish community and the people of Sydney. We are also extending our love and support to our fellow Chabad communities here in Boulder County and around the world.

As we began today, celebrating our first Chanukah event, with hundreds of people of every age joyfully gathered for the Jeff and Paige concert, we also recognized the grief and fear present. We know this is especially hard, as our community has sadly experienced so much pain recently. At a time like this, it is important to let the message of Chanukah, bringing light out of darkness, be our guide. While it may be with a heavy heart, we invite you, if it is your tradition, to bring brightness into your home by lighting the Chanukah menorah with family and friends. We also encourage you to join together at one or more of our many scheduled Chanukah programs to feel the glow of community.

As always, our commitment to the safety, security, and well-being of our own community remains paramount. We are in continuous contact with Boulder Police Chief Redfearn and his team at the Boulder PD, as well as our trusted partners at the Secure Community Network (SCN), who, with the support of JEWISHcolorado, monitor the safety of Jewish organizations nationwide. We deeply appreciate their support, always. 

SCN has shared that there is currently no intelligence to indicate specific or credible threats against the Jewish community in the U.S. or within Colorado. You may see an increased security presence at our events this week with support from Boulder PD and our security company, HCCI. As always, the JCC has comprehensive security measures in place to help create safe and welcoming spaces for you and your family.

Chanukah is a story of courage, faith, and resilience in the face of oppression. Even in moments of darkness, we draw strength from the light we share. It is a story whose meaning and importance never fades. 

We grieve the lives taken, extend our deepest condolences, and pray for a full and speedy recovery for all who were injured. We remain committed to a world where we can gather, celebrate, and live in safety and peace, and hope to see you this week to celebrate Chanukah together.

With Gratitude,

Jonathan Lev, Executive Director
David Paul, Boulder JCC Board Chair