Local community, lawmakers react to Australia’s mass shooting

by WTOC Staff

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A mass shooting on a beach in Australia killed at least 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl, with dozens more injured. Police identified the suspects as a father and son and said it was a terrorist attack that occurred at the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

SEE: Father and son gunmen kill at least 15 people in attack on Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach

Local lawmakers reacted to the tragedy and its impact on the community.

Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff released a statement in response saying in part, “This brutal attack has shaken the Jewish community in Georgia and nationwide, but Jews refuse to be intimidated by cowardly antisemitic violence.”

South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace posted a statement on social media stating, “On the first night of Hanukkah—a night meant for light—Jewish families around the world are being forced into fear. Being Jewish must never carry a death sentence, anywhere, under any circumstances.”

Local community gathers for Hanukkah celebration

In Savannah, the community gathered for a celebration of light, unity, and joy as the eight-day Hanukkah celebration began. A Savannah rabbi at the “Chanukah at Forsyth Park” event shared a personal connection to the tragic event, saying he knew a rabbi who was killed in Australia.

“The organizer of the celebration in Sydney, Australia - the Rabbi grew up in England which is where I’m from, we knew the family and we were close friends, close family friends. He was a couple of years older than I am. I knew his younger brother. Obviously it’s hit very close to home,” said Rabbi Zalman Refson of Chabad of Savannah. “In the face of evil, the candle of hope, a small light, dispels so much darkness and seeing the community come out today the way they did is really what Hanukkah is all about.”

The rabbi said events like the one in Savannah are crucial right now, offering hope and togetherness in the wake of such tragedy.

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