Solidarity at a Historic Landmark
On the evening of December 14, 2025, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier participated in a public Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony at Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate. This gesture of solidarity with the Jewish community came hours after a devastating terror attack targeted a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. The Brandenburg Gate, a landmark deeply intertwined with Germany's complex history, served as a poignant backdrop for the display of unity and resilience.
President Steinmeier's presence underscored Germany's commitment to its Jewish population, particularly in the wake of rising antisemitism. Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, president of the Chabad Jewish Education Center in Berlin, emphasized the symbolic power of the event, stating, 'The only weapon we have against darkness is light, and the only response we have to hatred is more love.' Security measures around the event were significantly intensified following the international news of the Sydney attack.
Tragedy Strikes Sydney Hanukkah Celebration
The candle lighting in Berlin was held in direct response to a horrific act of antisemitic terrorism that occurred earlier the same day, Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration, known as 'Chanukah by the Sea,' held at Archer Park. The attack, which took place around 6:45 PM local time, resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people and left many more injured.
Among those tragically killed was Rabbi Eli Schlanger of Chabad of Bondi, who had organized the event where over 1,000 people had gathered. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese swiftly condemned the incident, labeling it an act of antisemitic terrorism. One of the attackers was killed, while the other, identified as his 24-year-old son, was hospitalized. The global Jewish community and international leaders expressed shock and grief, leading to heightened security at Hanukkah events worldwide.
A Message of Light Against Darkness
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The lighting of the menorah symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and resilience in the face of adversity. President Steinmeier has a history of participating in such events, including a significant candle lighting in 2018 for the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a stark reminder of Germany's past. His consistent engagement highlights Germany's ongoing efforts to confront antisemitism and protect Jewish life, a responsibility he has frequently emphasized.
The event at the Brandenburg Gate served as a powerful affirmation that, even in the shadow of terror, communities can come together to uphold values of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect. The collective act of lighting the Hanukkah candles sent a clear message that hatred will not extinguish the spirit of hope and solidarity.
5 Comments
Donatello
Incredible symbol of hope and unity at a dark time. Thank you, Germany.
Leonardo
Acknowledging the positive impact of this solidarity, it's also true that a single candle lighting, however poignant, won't erase the growing threat of antisemitism that is clearly a global crisis. We need more than just symbols; we need systemic change.
Africa
Empty gestures. Where are the real actions to protect Jewish people?
Bermudez
Too little, too late for those lost in Sydney. This feels like a distraction.
Comandante
It's good to see President Steinmeier taking a public stand against antisemitism, especially given Germany's history. However, some might argue that the focus should be more on international cooperation to prevent such attacks rather than solely on symbolic responses after the fact.