During Hanukkah, a celebration of light in Sydney was interrupted by a violent attack that left the Jewish community grieving. Alexander Adelson reflects on how hope in the Messiah continues to shine in the aftermath.

Dear Friends and Partners,

This past year has been marked by expectation and anticipation of what the Lord is beginning to do here in Sydney. We met many new people, built new relationships, and shared life through gatherings, home visits, conversations, and the study of Scripture. Again and again, we reminded ourselves this is only the beginning.

Nothing, however, could have prepared us for what would unfold during Hanukkah.

Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights, a celebration that reminds us of God’s miracles, of the victory of light over darkness, and of the renewal and rededication of the Temple. Yet this year, as the first candles were lit, our community was confronted with darkness in a very real and painful way. A violent attack turned a moment of celebration into tragedy. Fifteen people were murdered simply because they had come to a Jewish gathering.

Since that night, everything has changed. Instead of celebration, we have walked through days of grief, making phone calls, visiting people in hospitals and homes, attending funerals, and standing with families whose lives were suddenly shaken. The Jewish community here is deeply wounded, and the weight of loss is heavy.

Sadly, this tragedy did not come out of nowhere. Over the past two years, we have witnessed increasing hostility toward Israel and Jewish communities in Australia: protests, threats, and attacks on synagogues and community spaces. As Scripture reminds us, “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

And yet, there is hope.

That hope was born more than two thousand years ago in Bethlehem, in Judea. The promised Messiah came into the world: the Light shining in the darkness (John 1:4–5). His coming changed history forever, and through him, every person—Jew and Gentile alike—can find peace with God.

This is the hope we continue to share as Messianic Jews in Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond. Even now, when many in the Jewish community struggle to see hope, we point repeatedly to Yeshua, the Light of the World.

We have also seen this hope reflected through the love of the wider Christian community. Since the attack, we have received countless calls and messages of support, with many asking how they can help and stand with the Jewish people. This outpouring of compassion has been deeply encouraging as we continue to serve a hurting community.

Despite the pain of this season, God is still at work. This past year, 11 people have come to faith in Jesus, and we are walking closely with them as they grow and are established in their faith. Many others have joined our gatherings, often for the first time, where they can ask honest spiritual questions and hear the gospel in a personal and relational setting.

This tragedy has reminded us how desperately our world needs God’s protection, his peace, and his salvation. And so, we move forward, not ignoring the pain but carrying hope like a banner before us. We know where we are going, and we long to lead others toward the Light.

In Yeshua’s hope,

Alex Adelson

Jews for Jesus Australia