Faith leaders unite at interfaith Chanukah lighting after Bondi terror attack

Jewish, Muslim and Christian leaders last night stood side by side at an interfaith Chanukah lighting arranged in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attacks. 

Organised by the Movement for Progressive Judaism and hosted by the Aziz Foundation, faith leaders – including across Jewish traditions – took part in the moving moment of unity in central London.

Julie Siddiqi, co-founder of Nisa Nashim, said, “For me the Chanukah story has taken on an extra meaning this year, one of defiance, of doing things against the odds; sometimes that could be holding the hand of another when others are telling you that’s the wrong thing to do.  So I recommit today to stand with you all in friendship, solidarity, and hope, tinged with defiance and determination.

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Imam Asim Hafiz added, “Each of us holds a responsibility not only to be light, but to convince the world that light is real, that goodness is stronger than hatred, and that humanity is better than its worst moments. Most people want to live in peace. Most people want to be good. When we recognise that, and we act on it, our individual flames join together to become one big light, God’s light. That is how light doesn’t just survive darkness; it overcomes it, and we will overcome it.”

The co-leads of Progressive Judaism said they realised a different sort of response was required in the wake of the murder of 11 Jews celebrating Chanukah in Sydney last week.

Rabbi Charley Baginsky said, “We opened our address books. We asked across faiths, across denominations, and across institutions. And again and again, the answer was yes. Yes, we will come. Yes, we will stand with you. Yes, we also need this. And that sense of being in this together matters.”

Rabbi Levy added, “When one of us is targeted, we all are. When one is attacked, we all brace ourselves. When our faith traditions are co-opted by those using them for their own ends, all of us feel distorted.

“What tonight represents for us is trust, the trust that says, ‘I may not share your theology, your politics, or your practice, but I recognise your humanity, and I will stand with you when it matters.”

Bushey’s Rabbi Elchonon Feldman, Chair of the Rabbinic Council of the United Synagogue, introduced and led the singing of Maoz Tzur.

Those lighting the Chanukiah were Rabbi Alexandra Wright, Rabbi of the Liberal Jewish Synagogue; Imam Asim Hafiz, Islamic Religious Advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff and Service Chiefs; Revd Canon Dr. Giles Fraser; Laura Marks; and Andrew Copson, CEO of the British Humanist Association. Also addressing the gathering were The Rt Revd Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy, Bishop of Willesden, and prominent Sikh leader Jasvir Singh. The Council of Christians and Jews played a key role in supporting the event.

Interfaith consultant Elizabeth Harris-Sawczenko opened the event by highlighting the impact on many in the room of Richard Sudworth, the Church of England’s Director of Faith and Public Life, who died on Monday after a long illness.

Aziz Foundation chair Asif Aziz said, “Moments like this remind us of the strength that comes from faith leaders standing side by side. We are committed to interfaith harmony, promoting coexistence, and helping to build a future shaped by mutual respect, understanding, hope, and love.”