Chanukah - Vigil and candle lighting

Jewish Council Chanukah Vigil and Candle Lighting

Melbourne/Naarm

The Jewish Council planned to hold a Chanukah celebration this Sunday 21st of December, but our community is still reeling after the terrifying attack on the Chanukah gathering in Bondi.

Many of us know people who were impacted, and all of us have experienced this as an attack on our community as a whole, and on our right to assemble and celebrate our traditions.

In this moment, it is important to hold each other close, so we’ve chosen to gather, but in the form of a vigil. We will use this time to gather in community, mourn for those lost and express solidarity in person.

We invite all to join us at the vigil, but registration is essential.

As we grieve, we are once again experiencing the power of solidarity. Our friends from across different communities – Palestinian, Muslim, First Nations – have reached out and offered support to us in our distress.

We extend this invitation to our Palestinian friends and allies in particular, just as they have welcomed us into the movement for justice and liberation for the people of Palestine.

This vigil is a time for us to come together and show that we stand united, not divided. We must find strength and light in one another.

Many in our community are rightly concerned for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. With this in mind, we will not be publicising the location of the event except to those who have registered, and we will inform the police of our gathering. We will also be supported by community marshals.

Please note that media will be attending this event.

We kindly request no flags or signs at this vigil.

Where and When

Location is in Prahran, in Melbourne/Naarm. Exact details to be announced on the morning of the vigil. 

Date: 21st December (the 8th night of Chanukah)

Schedule - Note we are now beginning at 7pm

7:00 - Welcome to Country

7:15 - Prayer service for the victims of Bondi

7:30 - Musical performance by Jonah Lipton & Noemie Huttner-Koros

7:50 - Speakers

Faith and community leaders from the Jewish, First Nations, Islamic, Christian, and Palestinian communities including:

• Sarah Schwartz, Executive Officer, Jewish Council of Australia

• Noura Mansour, National Director, Democracy in Colour

• Mohamed Mohideen, President, Islamic Council of Victoria

• Rev. Sandy Boyce, Executive Officer, Victorian Council of Churches

• Tarneen Onus Browne, Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta (Mum) and Bindal and Meriam (Dad) Community organiser

8:30 - Musical Performance by Uma Dobia

8:50 - Candle lighting & Chanukah prayers

Please consider donating funds for the Bondi victims through these gofundme pages.