SAN ANTONIO – The Jewish Federation of San Antonio said it is mourning victims of the Sunday shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, including some with local ties to South Texas.
In a statement to KSAT, the Jewish Federation of San Antonio said a local preschool teacher’s uncle was among the at least 15 people who were killed.
Leaders said that the victims killed were between the ages of 10 and 87, according to an AP report.
Additionally, the 20-year-old son of a Texas A&M Jewish student group’s head rabbi was among the at least 38 people injured in the attack.
“We mourn those killed in this horrific shooting, send our comforts to their families, and wish a speedy and full recovery to the injured,” the federation said in the statement.
The niece of a local rabbi was also present during the shooting, the federation said, and hid in the sand to keep her and her baby safe.
One of the gunmen was shot and killed by police, AP reports, while the other gunman was wounded and taken to a local hospital.
Community gathers despite tragedy, lights menorah on first night of festival
As San Antonio’s Jewish community gathered on the first night of Hanukkah, leaders said it is doing so “with a heavy heart.”
“In light of recent events, it’s even more important to gather together without fear, and not to let ourselves be intimidated,” said Rabbi Chaim Block.
State troopers and San Antonio police officers were present for the celebration, ensuring attendees felt safe.
Many parents brought their children for song, dance and family activities as the community lit the first candle on the menorah.
The event concluded with Hanukkah gelts, or chocolate coins, being dropped from a helicopter over the Chabad Center.
“Our community will never retreat in the face of hatred, and will never refrain from carrying on our Jewish traditions,” the Jewish Federation of San Antonio said. “We will use every tool at our disposal to make sure our communities are safe and that our lights burn brighter in spite of hatred and antisemitism.”
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