Dear Friend:

The last 24 hours have been devastating for our local Rhode Island community and for our global Jewish community. Last night we went to bed mourning the loss of two innocent lives from Brown University and praying for the recovery of the nine individuals injured in the mass shooting on Brown’s campus. And this morning we awoke to the horrific news from Australia that at least 11 people had been killed and many more injured at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach. 

In moments like this, words fail us. As a community, we are praying for those who lost their lives and their families, and we are praying for the recovery of those injured in both attacks. We are grateful to local law enforcement and all first responders who kept our community safe yesterday and worked through the night to apprehend a person of interest.  

Locally, so many of us have a connection to Brown University, so this attack feels particularly close. And in a time of rising fear of antisemitism across the world, the attack in Australia confirms our worst fears. It is why in times like this community is so important. We have been there for each other through so much tragedy, and we will continue to be there for each other now. 

In the coming days, we’ll be here, reaching out to community members to make sure everyone is okay. And we will use Hanukkah celebrations throughout Rhode Island as opportunities to gather and be together. We will work with local law enforcement to make sure everyone gathering is safe. And as always, our partners at Jewish Collaborative Services have counselors available should you need to speak with someone. 

Hanukkah is a festival of miracles, and it shouldn’t take a miracle to end this type of senseless violence. But Hanukkah, like many of our festivals, is also the story of overcoming the unthinkable. It is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is light. May we be the light for each other in the coming days and weeks, as we work to heal together. And may we continue to work together to create a better world for all of us. 

Sincerely,  
Adam Greenman 
President & CEO