MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - In the wake of a mass shooting during a Hanukkah event in Australia, synagogues around the world are stepping up security, and South Florida is no exception.
Local law enforcement agencies, including Miami Beach Police, said they are ramping up their presence at synagogues and places of worship out of an abundance of caution, so that the Jewish community and others alike feel safe.
The measures happen as Jewish communities across South Florida stood strong in their faith in the aftermath of the massacre at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead on the first night of Hanukkah.
“We stand united. You did not die in vain. Your flame will continue to burn through our menorah,” said a speaker at a local Hanukkah celebration.
Sunday’s Hanukkah celebrations continued as planned in both Cooper City and Fort Lauderdale, with moments of reflection and prayer for those impacted by the antisemitic terrorist attack.
“As we try to celebrate in happiness the beginning of this festival, let us not forget those who are suffering tonight with their families, their friends at a time when they, too, should be celebrating,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.
The Jewish community came out in droves. Their message was one of strength and pride.
“We cannot let us deter us from who we are,” said a a rabbi at the Fort Lauderdale celebration.
“It’s more important than ever that Jews be more Jewish than ever,” said an attendee at the Fort Lauderdale celebration.
“It’s a tragic, terrible thing, and we just have to go on, and we have to celebrate anyway,” said another attendee.
Further south in Miami Beach, city leaders also condemned the violence.
“I’m horrified. I’m devastated. It brought tears to my eyes. It’s out of control, the antisemitism,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.
Meiner said that he was not surprised, however.
“Unfortunately it’s all too predictable, the rhetoric, the antisemitism, the anti-Israel, the propaganda, the lies that are being said so casually. It’s just that you know it’s going to lead to this and this is why we have to counter the lies and the propaganda when we see it. They impact us here in Miami Beach,” said Meiner.
Officials in Miami Beach, like in many other municipalities, said they are ramping up security at synagogues and sacred places.
“We’ve definitely – we’ve implemented our high-risk protocols. We’re going to have extra police visibility around synagogues, Jewish neighborhoods, Hanukkah events that are scheduled. We’re going on,” said Meiner.
As the Hanukkah celebrations continue in South Florida, local community leaders reiterated their conviction that good will prevail over evil.
“We hope and pray that Jews all over the world, and the whole world together, comes together and does not allow terrorism to scare us or stop us, but on the contrary, we take the message of light over darkness,” said Rabbi Yossi Harlig from the Chabad of Kendall and Pinecrest.
Other religious leaders shared their thoughts on the situation as well.
“To make up for that kind of darkness that they tried to make for us, we need to make sure that we overcome it with extra light wherever we are,” said Rabbi Meyer Haber from Young Israel of Sunny Isles. “Our connection to God no matter who you are, is a connection of love. Hate has no place.”
“Now, we are even stronger and with more intention as we are going to light the Hannukiah,” said Rabbi Liora Ramati of Temple Emanu-El. “Yes, bad things happen every day, but we choose to see the good, even in darkness.”
“The terrorists that did what they did in Sydney were hoping that Jews would hide under their bed, we’re not gonna do that, we’re gonna show that we’re proud of being a Jew, we’re not gonna be scared,” said Rabbi Zev Katz, from the Chabad of Miami Beach.
People honored those who were killed and hurt overseas during what was supposed to be a time of prayer and love.
“As soon as you light a candle, the darkness goes away,” said a speaker at a local Hanukkah celebration.
“Just a small bit of light, can shine up a whole world of darkness.” said another speaker.
A gathering took place in Miami Beach to promote solidarity between those in the Jewish community Monday evening, on the second night of Hannukah.
While Miami Beach Police said there are no known local threats, they and many other police departments across South Florida are reminding residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.
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