This past week has been heavy. News from around the world has touched us all, even if we’re far away. Last Sunday night, during the first night of Hanukkah, tragedy struck at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Two gunmen opened fire amid celebrations for the Jewish Festival of Lights.
In this horrific act, 15 lives were lost. Among them was Alex Kleytman, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor from Ukraine. He had 11 grandchildren who will carry on his memory. The youngest victim, just 10 years old, was named Matilda. Her aunt shared how she lit up every room she entered with her joyful spirit.
Despite this darkness, some amazing stories of courage emerged. Rabbi Shoshanah Conover from Chicago’s Temple Sholom reminded us that Hanukkah is also a time for hope, urging us to celebrate those who bring light into our lives. “Looking at the heroes who banish darkness with their righteous deeds inspires us to do more,” she said.
Individuals like Reuven Morrison, 62, showed remarkable bravery. He threw bricks at one shooter before he was killed. Tibor Weitzen, 78, died while trying to shield a friend. Boris and Sofia Gurman, who had been married for nearly 35 years, confronted the attackers together, sacrificing their lives to protect others. Ahmed al-Ahmed, a former policeman from Syria, managed to disarm one of the gunmen despite being injured himself.
These stories of heroism remind us of the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. According to recent studies, incidents of gun violence often lead to community outpourings of support and solidarity. People begin to rally, showing resilience in response to loss. In social media trends, hashtags like #UnitedForBondi have been used to honor the victims and support their families, creating a sense of community across distances.
This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness and bravery, values that can shine brightly even in the darkest times. As poet Stephen Spender wrote:
“The names of those who in their lives fought for life,
Who wore at their hearts the fire’s centre,
Born of the sun, they traveled a short while toward the sun
And left the vivid air signed with their honour.”
We may be separated by miles, but events like these connect us all in shared grief and courage. The stories of heroes remind us to cherish each other and strive to bring a little light into our corners of the world.
