Menorah Lighting at Union Square

We decided to drive over to San Francisco to see the Menorah lighting at Union Square to commemorate the first day of Hanukkah, followed by a stroll to visit the various buildings of Let's Glow SF, followed by dinner at Little Shucker.

We are initially worried about the security and safety after the recent events in Australia:

On December 14, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. The incident, which took place during the "Chanukah by the Sea" event, resulted in one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australian history.

The Incident

The Attack: At approximately 6:45 p.m., two gunmen opened fire from a footbridge overlooking Archer Park, where about 1,000 people had gathered for the first night of Hanukkah. The attackers fired over 100 rounds into the crowd.

The Perpetrators: Police identified the attackers as a father and son duo. The 50-year-old father (Sajid Akram) was shot dead by police at the scene. The 24-year-old son (Naveed Akram) was critically wounded and taken into custody.

Motive: Authorities have officially designated the shooting a terrorist incident motivated by antisemitism, with links to Islamic State (ISIS) ideology.

Casualties

Fatalities: At least 16 people were killed (including one of the gunmen).

Injuries: More than 40 people were injured, including children and two police officers.

Notable Victims: Among the dead were Rabbi Eli Schlanger (an organizer of the event), a 10-year-old girl, and Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor who died while shielding his wife.

Acts of Heroism

The tragedy was marked by extraordinary bravery from bystanders:

Ahmed al-Ahmed: A 43-year-old bystander tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen during the shooting. Although he was shot twice by the second attacker, his actions provided a window for others to flee and for police to engage.

Local Lifesavers: Lifeguards from the nearby Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club rushed toward the gunfire to provide immediate first aid to the wounded, using the club's medical kits to save lives under fire. 

We started our drive around 15:05, arriving in about 70 minutes, and parking at the Sutter-Stockton garage, located conveniently near Union Square.

Once we parked (on the 5th floor), we walked to Union Square, enjoying the festive Christmas atmosphere. There were lots of people and police, and sections of the square were blocked off for car traffic.

Our first stop was to visit Neuman Marcus to look at some items for Inna (and to photograph the very tall and beautiful Christmas tree inside).

At around 17:00, we headed back to Union Square to join the menorah lighting ceremony. There were many people present, and several speeches were given by a few rabbis and the Mayor of San Francisco.

The Bill Graham Menorah Project is hosting its 2025 Chanukah Festival in Union Square, San Francisco, from December 14 to December 22, marking the 50th anniversary of the first giant public menorah outside Israel. The event features nightly lighting ceremonies, music, community gatherings, and special honors for leaders and traditions across the Jewish community.

The 25-foot-tall menorah will be illuminated each night throughout the festival, continuing a tradition that began in 1975 and has inspired thousands of menorahs worldwide. The festival culminates on Sunday, December 21, with the eighth and final lighting ceremony at 5:00 PM, honoring the Russian Jewish Speaking Community and the wider Jewish Community, followed by a SF Menorah Car Parade.

Here is an AI Summary of the speeches given at the Menorah Lighting Ceremony. 

Mayor Daniel Lurie

In one of his first major public appearances as Mayor-elect, Lurie emphasized the importance of light during challenging times.

• Theme of Light: He noted that the first day of Hanukkah was "a very dark day" globally, but emphasized that gathering as a community to provide light was "just what we needed to do."

• Community Pride: He expressed honor in seeing the crowd turn out despite the circumstances, framing the event as a necessary act of joy.

Rabbi Moshe Langer (Chabad of SF)

Rabbi Langer, whose father helped start the tradition with Bill Graham in 1975, addressed the security concerns directly.

• Defiance Against Fear: He stated firmly that "When there is darkness, we must bring light," and vowed that the community would not allow "fear or terror to silence us or cause us to retreat."

• The 50-Year Legacy: He highlighted the milestone of the 50th anniversary, noting that this was the first giant public menorah ever erected outside of Israel.

Manny Yekutiel (Civic Leader & Activist)

Yekutiel gave a poignant and raw speech regarding the reality of being a Jewish leader today.

• Heightened Anxiety: He admitted to the crowd that while the Mayor was speaking, he found himself "watching the tops of the buildings," describing the visceral vigilance required at public Jewish events.

• Fighting Back with Joy: He argued that the best way to honor those lost in recent violence was to be "extra visible" and "extra joyous," rather than hiding.

State Senator Scott Wiener

Wiener provided a message of solidarity and legislative resolve.

• Solidarity: He voiced his mourning for the lives lost in Australia and stood in solidarity with the local Jewish community.

• Call to Action: He emphasized that "Antisemitism has no place in our world" and called for a renewed commitment to ending hate-driven violence.