Rabbi Eli Schlanger, originally from Britain, played a central role in organizing the Hanukkah event that was tragically disrupted by a violent attack, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals. This horrific incident left victims aged between 10 and 87, with an additional 42 people sustaining injuries.

Rabbi Schlanger’s cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, reflects on Schlanger’s unwavering commitment to his new home in Australia. Schlanger was known for his dedication to supporting society’s less fortunate, embodying the spirit of community and compassion.

In the wake of the attack, Lewis expresses a blend of anger and determination. While deeply upset by the anti-Semitic nature of the violence, he feels a strong drive to transform this tragedy into a catalyst for positive change.

“The immediate reaction, much like that of countless others, is to find someone to blame in moments of anxiety,” Lewis shares, highlighting the complex emotions that arise in such devastating situations.

“The instant reaction, like so many other human beings, is pointing fingers at whoever you might point fingers at with anxiety,” he says.

“Why aren’t the media raising the concerns the Jewish community feel? Why aren’t governments understanding the way we feel and the threats that we face and… we feel lonely.

“And then my brain says no, stop. I’m a rabbi. I’m not a politician. My job is to spread goodness.”

— Cameron Carr