Israeli-led compassion brings hope after massacre, exposing terror’s failure against Jewish unity worldwide today defiantly.
The eighth Hanukkah candle was lit Sunday at the Bondi Beach attack site in Sydney, transforming a place of horror into one of moral strength and remembrance. Members of ZAKA’s international delegation—who operated at the massacre scene—took part in the solemn lighting, asserting that Jewish light will not be extinguished by terror.
The candle was lit by Nachman Dickstein, ZAKA Europe commander, who chose to remain in Australia after Shabbat to continue supporting the local Jewish community in the painful aftermath of the attack. His decision reflected ZAKA’s ethos: standing with victims not only at scenes of violence, but alongside shattered communities long after the cameras leave.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, ZAKA volunteers received a letter of appreciation from Rabbi Levi Wolf, a Chabad emissary in Sydney, praising their extraordinary dedication during Hanukkah. “Hanukkah is not only about the light within our homes,” he wrote, “but bringing light even to the darkest places. You are a living example of genuine kindness.”
Most of the delegation returned to Israel last Friday after completing their work, while a smaller team stayed behind to continue accompanying the community—fulfilling the Jewish principle of chesed shel emet, true kindness given without expectation of return.
Standing at Bondi Beach, Dickstein said the moment carried profound meaning: lighting Hanukkah candles at the very site of the murderous attack to remind the world that a little light drives away much darkness.
