Houston Condemns Australia Mass Shooting, Ramps Up Security for Hanukkah Events

Condemnation of Violence and Antisemitism

• 💔 Houston Mayor John Whitmire expressed strong condemnation for the violence directed toward the Jewish community, stating that antisemitism will not be tolerated in Houston.
• 🕯️ The attack in Australia occurred during a Hanukkah event, highlighting the ongoing struggle between light and darkness.

Increased Security for Hanukkah Celebrations

• 🚓 Police presence was significantly increased at Manorah lightings and Hanukkah events across Houston, including at City Hall, Belair, and Sugarland.
• ✅ The heightened security aimed to ensure the safety of the Jewish community during their celebrations.

Personal Impact and Resilience

• 🇦🇺 Rabbi Yasi Zach Lakovski shared that his good friend and colleague, Rabbi Ellie Schlinganger, was among those killed in Australia.
• 🗣️ Rabbi Schlinganger's message, as relayed by Rabbi Lakovski, was to "double down" on celebrating the holiday rather than retreating in the face of darkness.
• 🇦🇺 Rabbi Yakov Faglin, originally from Melbourne, Australia, also knew Rabbi Schlinganger and spoke about the murderer's intent to bring darkness.
• 🤕 Rabbi Kheim Lazro's nephew, Label Lazro, was critically wounded after being shot while working the event in Australia.

Call for Continued Celebration

• ✨ Faith leaders encouraged everyone, regardless of faith, to continue attending upcoming Hanukkah events.
• 💡 The message emphasized that the Jewish people's light burns brighter when faced with attempts to extinguish it.