Sydney Mall Attack Casts Shadow Over US Hanukkah Celebrations

Hundreds gathered in Washington, D.C., to light the National Menorah in a public Hanukkah ceremony. They braved bitterly cold weather for the event. The celebration, however, was darkened by news of a deadly attack in Sydney, Australia. A knife-wounding incident at a shopping mall killed six people. Among the victims was a security guard hailed as a "hero." He confronted the attacker to protect others. Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly praised the guard's bravery online. The tragic event in Sydney was on the minds of many at the U.S. ceremony. It served as a somber reminder of violence during a holiday focused on light and hope.