‘This is how Chanukah should be’ — Community comes together in harmony
Hundreds of people from across the Northern Rivers gathered last night to celebrate Chanukah in a powerful show of unity, solidarity and shared grief.
Organisers said the turnout was unprecedented. In previous years, as few as 20 people attended the gathering, held in Byron Bay’s beachfront park.
This year, people travelled from across the region to stand with the Jewish community following last Sunday’s Bondi terrorist attack.
As the night progressed, candles were lit and prayers were shared.
Then, what began in solemn reflection, slowly gave way to warmth, connection and joy.
Key speakers – Bishop Greg Homeming and Mayor Sharon Cadwallader
Interfaith message of light over hate
Catholic Bishop Greg Homeming addressed the crowd in a strong show of interfaith support, drawing sustained applause.
Quoting Dr Martin Luther King Jr, he said darkness could never defeat darkness.
“Only light can do that. And so today, we gather to bring light into dark and challenging times.”
He said the purpose of the gathering was to stand clearly against hatred and violence.
“We stand together to say no to hate, no to violence,” he said.
“And yes to the belief that every person carries a light within them.”
Bishop Homeming said Jewish history was marked by resilience and renewal.
The Manning family from Ballina were among those who traveled to Byron to show support; Leah, Kerry-Ann and Warwick
“The Jewish people have cultivated resilience through dark times,” he said.
“You are known for standing up, and even dancing, after being knocked down.”
He said the wider Australian community had a responsibility to stand alongside the Jewish community.
“We value peace. We value life. And this is a moment to stand against those who oppose those values.”
Speaking personally, he reflected on growing up alongside Jewish families in Sydney.
“I learned music, culture and humanity from Jewish people, including Holocaust survivors,” he said.
“They shaped who I am.”
He said real change depended on genuine relationships between communities.
“Without friendship, there is no understanding,” he said.
“The light in you must recognise the light in another, not just be seen, but taken by the hand.”
Mayor pledges ongoing support
Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader was invited to speak following her strong public support for the Jewish community in recent years.
“Our community is breathing with you, standing beside you and committed to you,” she said.
She described the Bondi attack as senseless, brutal and deeply confronting.
“Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the lives lost, for the families shattered, and for a community that should never have endured such fear,” she said.
Cr Cadwallader said the message of the evening needed to be unmistakable.
“You are not alone. The Jewish community is a valued, respected and cherished part of our region and our nation.”
She said an attack on one community was an attack on shared humanity.
“It is an affront to our values and to the Australia we believe in,” she said.
Cr Cadwallader said there was no justification for hatred or bigotry.
“Hate has no home here, and fear will not define us,” she said.
She said the gathering itself reflected the character of the Northern Rivers.
“Our region is known for its compassion and diversity and moments like this show who we truly are.”
Looking forward, she made a clear commitment, drawing strong applause.
“We will protect our Jewish community, we support you, and we will stand with you openly, proudly and unwaveringly.”
She closed by returning to the symbolism of Chanukah.
“Even in the darkest moments, compassion and courage endure,” she said.
“May the light we share tonight remind us of that.”
Rabbi Tomer Ben Harosh thanked police and the broader community for what he described as an overwhelming response.
“People want us to know they stand with us,” he said.
“That means everything.”
What could have been….
The menorah was then lit, with prayers dedicated to the Bondi victims and their families.
As candles burned against the night sky, the mood shifted fully with the evening ending in joyous celebration, singing, dancing and smiles.
Families shared traditional Chanukah donuts, children laughed and strangers embraced.
One participant reflected quietly afterwards, saying, “This is how it should have ended in Bondi last Sunday.”
