Security For Jewish Festival Hanukkah Ramped Up Around World After Sydney Beach Terror Attack

Hours after 12 people were killed in a mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, major cities across the world including Berlin, London and New York have increased security around Hanukkah events.

Reuters quoted Berlin police saying they were ramping up measures around the German capital’s Brandenburg Gate, where a large electric menorah is being lit to mark the first night of Hanukkah.

“We have long planned comprehensive security for tonight’s Hanukkah event at the Brandenburg Gate – in light of the events in Sydney, we will further intensify our measures and maintain a strong police presence there,” a spokesperson said on X.

Similarly, New York Mayor Eric Adams said in a post on X that extra security has been deployed for Hanukkah celebrations and synagogues in New York City and in Warsaw’s main synagogue, armed security was doubled for its Sunday evening event.

“We will continue to ensure the Jewish community can celebrate the holiday in safety — including at public Menorah lightings across the city. Let us pray for the injured and stand together against hatred,” Adams said.

In Germany, though security measures at synagogues and other Jewish institutions are usual in Berlin police said these would be ramped up for the Hanukkah period.

According to Reuters, the event at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate will also include a prayer for the victims of Sydney’s Bondi Beach shooting, which left at least 11 people dead in what Australian officials described as a targeted antisemitic attack.

The London’s Metropolitan Police also issued a statement saying: “While there is no information to suggest any link between the attack in Sydney and the threat level in London, this morning we are stepping up our police presence, carrying out additional community patrols and engaging with the Jewish community to understand what more we can do in the coming hours and days.”

Reuters quoted France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nunez asking local authorities to reinforce security around Jewish places of worship during the December 14 to 22 period.

He pushed for increased deployment of security forces, with particular vigilance around religious services and gatherings that draw large crowds, especially when they take place in public spaces.