An event to mark the first day of Hanukkah was taking place at Bondi Beach when the shooting took place, killing at least 15 people ages 10 to 87. Officials declared the shooting a terrorist event and said it was “designed to target” Jewish people.

Father and son conducted firearms training in rural New South Wales before killing 15 at Sydney beach. Police found IS flags and homemade bombs in their car. View on euronews

Well-intentioned commentators have proclaimed anguish that this holiday of “light” and “togetherness” could be marred with a massacre. But that vision of Hanukkah is a lie.

Thousands of surfers and swimmers at Bondi Beach gathered for a mass paddle, forming a heart in the water, to pay tribute to the victims of the recent mass shooting at a Hanukkah event, which killed 15 people and injured dozens more.

Hundreds had gathered for an event at Bondi Beach called Chanukah by the Sea, which was celebrating the start of the Hanukkah Jewish festival.

Across the Seattle area and beyond, Jewish leaders said they are increasing security and police patrols at public menorah lightings, vigils and Jewish institutions.

The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Bay Area is calling for the resignation of a local mayor who reposted conspiracy theories to his Linkedin account that claimed the Bondi Beach attack on a Hanukkah celebration was a “false flag” perpetrated by Israel.

People of all ages had been looking forward to celebrating — especially this year, as a ceasefire in Gaza has held since October and all but one of the hostages taken by Hamas-led militants have been returned.