French Victim in Sydney Terror Attack Spurs Jewish Community's Resilient Hanukkah in Paris

A deadly terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney during Hanukkah left eleven people dead and 29 injured, including a French citizen, Dan Elkayam. Elkayam, 27, had moved to Sydney in December 2024 for work in IT after earning a master's degree in computer engineering. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot publicly expressed deep sorrow over Elkayam's death, calling the attack an 'abject terrorist attack' targeting Jewish families celebrating the festival.

Meanwhile, the Jewish community in Paris responded with determination and solidarity. Around 200 people gathered on the Champs-Elysées to celebrate Hanukkah just hours after the Sydney attack. Meyer S., an event organizer from the Beth Loubavitch community, acknowledged the shock and fear but emphasized the importance of public Jewish identity and cultural persistence, saying, "I wear my kippa tonight; I do not hide it under a cap. We want to show that we are here and that we maintain our customs."

Heightened police presence accompanied the Parisian festivities, with CRS officers arriving earlier than usual to ensure the safety of celebrants amid an atmosphere of increased security. This marked a determined stand against terror, underscoring both grief and resilience as the Jewish community abroad confronted the tragedy while continuing their traditions.