In Manchester, a rabbi has highlighted that Jewish community members are persisting with Hanukkah celebrations despite heightened safety worries following violent incidents.
Rabbi Benjy Rickman, from Yeshurun Synagogue in Cheadle, noted that individuals "young and old" are gathering to honor the holiday's "beautiful message."
His comments come after gunmen killed 15 people targeting Jewish families during Hanukkah in Australia, and two months after two fatalities in a synagogue attack in Crumpsall, Manchester on Yom Kippur.
While some feel too unsafe to join events, Rabbi Rickman described a "certain Jewish chutzpah or resilience" within his community.
"After the tragic events in Australia, many would have just shrunk into themselves and sort of given up, but we don't seem to do that," he said.
"I think it's probably a bit of a pattern in Jewish history of picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, and the community has been amazing."
Hanukkah, an eight-day festival, commemorates the Maccabees' recapture of Jerusalem in 164 BC after a three-year conflict.
Following the city's liberation from Greek rule, a small oil jar miraculously kept the temple lit for eight days during repairs and rededication.
This year, from December 14 to 22, celebrations include lighting a hanukkiah, a nine-branch candelabrum, with one candle ignited daily to remember the temple oil.
Traditional foods fried in oil, like potato latkes and donuts, are also enjoyed.
Rabbi Rickman organized a public lighting event with music and festivities for communal celebration.
He mentioned that many attended to show that "no one's going to tell us that we can't celebrate," while others avoided it due to fear of being targeted.
Call for Harmony
"That's crazy that there's a community in this country who can't worship because they're scared," he stated, adding: "That just shouldn't be acceptable to anybody.
"Real people, their safety, their mental states and their well-being are at the centre of it all, and no one should be too scared to come to synagogue."
He reported receiving widespread support after the Manchester attack, with messages from local councillors, MPs, and the public expressing solidarity.
"So I think there is a very much a loving, decent majority who just want to make space for each other and live in a harmonious society.
"There's a real sense of community when you bring everyone together to celebrate, be happy and to say 'let's just keep going and spreading our message of light and hope', because it's a beautiful message that needs to be heard."
