As Jewish communities come together for Hanukkah events around the world, we’re here to help our Los Angeles community stay informed and prepared. Here you’ll find news coverage, resources, and updates to help you enjoy Hanukkah safely. See the latest information below.
The Jewish community must take action to ensure its own security – opinion
By Rabbi Noah Farkas
Local and global events after the horrific October 7 terrorist attack have underscored a sobering reality for Jews everywhere: The threats we face are real and unrelenting. While law enforcement and political echelons generally support and work well with us, the fact is, the Jewish community must take action to ensure our own security.
The proof is in the numbers. Although Jews make up only about 2% of the US population, we comprised 68% of all reported religious-based hate crimes in 2023.
Locally, the most densely-populated Jewish neighborhood in Los Angeles – Pico-Robertson – is a continued flashpoint for violence, as Jews have been shot leaving prayer services and impeded when trying to enter synagogues.
L.A. has more to do to fight antisemitism and protect Jewish residents
By Rabbi Noah Farkas
Two horrific attacks — one at a Jewish museum in Washington and the most recent in Boulder, Colo., — remind us that Jewish identity remains a target in America. These attacks are part of a disturbing pattern of hate and violence stretching nationwide.
Antisemitism in the United States is at a generational high. The Anti-Defamation League reported 2024 as the year with the most antisemitic incidents since tracking began in 1979. After the Hamas attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, antisemitic acts — including harassment, vandalism and threats — soared: The incidence in 2024 was 893% higher than a decade earlier. Jewish students are afraid to speak on campus. Families are removing mezuzahs from their doorposts. Business leaders hesitate to speak out.
This is part of a well-worn cycle: Hate speech leads to hate crimes.
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Enough Is Enough: We Are Running Out of Time to Protect Our Jewish Community
By Rabbi Noah Farkas
After yet another incident, this time at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, our community is left reeling. Once again, when Jews gather in our sacred places, we are infiltrated by haters. Once again, when we want to develop solidarity with our neighbors, protesters arrive to drive our communities apart. Once again, the Jewish community of our city is beside itself at the tepid response of our elected officials.
From the streets of New York to the streets of Los Angeles, our Jewish communities are under assault. Growing threats seek to disrupt our lives, prevent us from exercising our constitutional rights, and destroy our indigenous connection to our homeland, Israel.
As Jews celebrate Hanukkah, America’s Jewish community is on edge in wake of antisemitic attack in Australia
By Michelle Watson
A police officer walks along cordon tapeline at the scene of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday.Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Members of the Jewish community across the world woke up Sunday to yet another fatal attack — something that has become all too common for those of the faith.
The attack Sunday on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, which has been declared a terrorist incident, has left at least 15 people dead and 40 hospitalized in what police say was an incident targeting Jewish people.
Los Angeles Jewish groups ramp up Hanukkah festivities in response to Bondi Beach shooting
By Doug Smith and Jenny Jarvie
In the hours after two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration on Australia’s Bondi Beach in Sydney, killing at least 15 people, Rabbi Noah Farkas, president of the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, fielded a barrage of calls from Jewish parents across Los Angeles.
How, they wondered on the first night of Hanukkah, should they protect themselves? Was it safe to bring their children to a synagogue? Should they even gather to celebrate?
Farkas urged Jews across Los Angeles to not be deterred.
“The whole point of terrorism is to terrify Jews from coming together,” he said, noting it was no coincidence that Hanukkah takes place during the darkest nights of the year.
LA authorities step up security at Hanukkah events after Australia attack
Authorities were providing extra patrols at Jewish facilities and Hanukkah events throughout Los Angeles County on Sunday after a deadly attack in Australia killed as many as 16 people who were gathered at a beach to celebrate the first day of the Jewish holiday.
“The Los Angeles Police Department is deeply saddened by the tragic mass shooting attack that occurred during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish Community in Australia and here in Los Angeles, and our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those impacted by this senseless act of violence” the LAPD said in a statement shortly after news of the tragedy broke.
